Ferguson 'the Embodiment of Football' - Rijkaard

Barcelona's coach, Frank Rijkaard, would be entitled to feel aggrieved at the difference in treatment meted out to him and Sir Alex Ferguson as the axe hovers and critics queue to bury him. But rather than bemoan his bad luck he paid tribute last night to Ferguson.

After four years, two league titles and a Champions League success, Rijkaard has been singled out as responsible for their "crisis" with the team third in the league and preparing for the game which, by his own admission, "represents our whole season". He will not continue next year and, even if he wins the Champions League, he will not be missed. Ferguson by contrast took three and a half years to win anything but is untouchable at Old Trafford.

Yet Rijkaard insisted he felt no bitterness. He said: "I have a great deal of respect for Sir Alex Ferguson. He has done a great job. Without any doubt he is one of the best and most influential around. He is the embodiment of football."

Rijkaard also praised United's ability to play both an "English" and a "European" style and accepted Barcelona were underdogs. But he insisted they believed they could win. "They are the best two attacking teams in Europe. Although we respect them, we think we are capable of going through."

Much rests on the shoulders of the Argentinian play maker Lionel Messi and Rijkaard confirmed that he, like Rafael Marquez and Deco, was ready to start. Thierry Henry trained yesterday but is unlikely to start, while Carles Puyol is suspended.

"If the coach wants me to play the whole game, I can do so," said Messi, dismissing suggestions this was a clash between him and Cristiano Ronaldo: "This a game between two great teams not two players."