Eidur Gudjohnsen Interview

Eidur Gudjohnsen is going through a rough patch at the moment. He's become second-choice at Barcelona behind Javier Saviola, and with Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi coming back from injury, he could be forgiven for feeling a little lost right now. The Icelandic international and ex-Chelsea frontman, who joined Barca over the summer for a reported $24M, is having to answer questions he didn't have to when he played behind Eto'o at the beginning of the season.

He sat down with Gemma Herrero of Spanish daily Marca recently for an interview that was posted this afternoon. This is a rough translation of that interview:

When did you find out that you'd be on the bench [against Gimnastic de Tarragona on Sunday]?
I'd figured as much during the week, I was a sub throughout training. Confirmation came a little before the match when we were discussing team tactics.

What did [Frank] Rijkaard say?
I didn't ask for any explanations. Saviola is great form at the moment and he deserves his opportunity. Obviously, I'm not happy sitting on the subs bench, but if I had put three away in a cup match, I'd expect to start the following game as well. I really don't see anything wrong with it.

You didn't have the chance to score three goals in a cup match because you didn't play. We thought that is was to keep you fresh for the league games.
That's what I thought as well! Now I'll be extra fresh when I go out there...

The Camp Nou came down pretty hard on Rijkaard when he subbed out Saviola. How did you interpret all the whistling?
I hope that it wasn't against me. Saviola has been at Barca for a while now and he's got lots of fans. The last thing I want anyone to think is that Javier and I have a problem with each other, I don't see him as my rival. Also, I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said that I was playing my best right now.

Why is that?
It's a combination of things, there isn't just one reason. I came to a team that was perfect, and improving perfection isn't always easy.

The supporters have made it clear that they are in favor of Saviola. Does that frustrate you?
No. I've been through a lot in my career and through it all I've always come out stronger than before. This is just another trial and I'm convinced that I'll pass through it without any problems. If I didn't believe in myself, I would be here in Barcelona today. I'm going to fight hard for a place on this team, for what's left of this season and the next.

Eto'o will be back in a couple of weeks, more competition.
I've always had to compete for a place, everywhere I've been. I don't have a problem with that.

Can you and Saviola play together?
Of course. Why not?

Eidur Gudjohnsen Interview (in Spanish) [Marca]

-ac