Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has given up on La Liga in a desperate bid to dump Manchester United out of Europe.
The Catalan giants have left almost their ENTIRE first team at home as they travelled to La Coruna for tomorrow’s game against Deportivo.
Barcelona could end up having to play a Champions League qualifier in the summer but Rijkaard couldn’t care less – all that matters is beating United.
The Dutchman has left stars Samuel Eto’o, Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Gabi Milito at home.
Bizarrely, with tongue firmly in cheek, Rijkaard claimed his decision to play a second-string side at Deportivo had nothing to do with the Champions League semi-final against United.
Instead, he insisted that his players needed a rest.
Rijkaard added: “It’s not true. It’s nothing to do with our position in the table.
“Before thinking about the result, I always think about the health of my players.
“When Eto’o need a moment of rest or Xavi tells me he’s tired you have to evaluate what might happen because they are players who’ve played a lot of games this season.
“People think Messi can play 90 minutes but unfortunately it’s not true. We must take care of him and protect him.
“It’s not that I leave him out but the player needs it to avoid bigger problems.”
Barca’s title hopes are almost dead as they lie 11 points behind leaders Real Madrid, who could be crowned champions on Sunday if they win and their closest rivals fail to get three points.
From the galaxy of stars in Barca’s squad, only Deco and Thierry Henry will be available to Rijkaard at the Riazor.
Barca have to win to keep their hopes of clinching second spot in La Liga alive.
Villarreal are a point ahead in second place and could increase the gap tomorrow night with just four left to play.
Yet, Rijkaard’s eyes and those of millions of Catalans are fixed on United.
He added: “We played well against United.
“Although 0-0 is not the best result we’re now confident of finishing the job over there.”
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