Barcelona Squad Get A History Lesson

During the 1986/87 UEFA Cup, Scottish minnows Dundee United inflicted an embarrassing defeat on European giants Barcelona.

Manager Jim McLean inspired his side to beat the Calatan club both at home (Tannadice) and away (Nou Camp), to retain the club`s unbeaten record against the Spanish side.

Dundee United have now played Barcelona 4 times in European competition, including home and away wins in the 1966 Fairs Cup, with this Thursday night`s friendly becoming the 5th meeting of the two sides.

Dundee United supporters are eagerly anticipating a 5th straight victory over Ronaldinho, Henry and co - but Barca manager Frank Rijkaard isn`t taking the game anywhere near as seriously.

The Barcelona squad, didn`t even know the impressive record Dundee United held over their club, until the press pointed it out to them at yesterday morning`s press conference.

"At the moment we don`t know anything about the teams we are going to play in Scotland or about their players," admitted 23-year-old Andres Iniesta to the Courier.

"I think that in the next few days the coach will tell us what we need to know because we want to win these games."
"This trip is all about getting strong before the season in Spain starts and that is what we are here to do."

"When you are at this club there is always pressure to win every single match and that is what keeps us competitive and everyone is up for that challenge."

"We didn`t get any trophies last season and that is not acceptable at this club, so we have to get stronger and better for the new season."

"Even though this is a pre-season match, we take it very seriously because this will show us how to win"