FC Barcelona sealed an all-important away victory to kick off their campaign to retain the La Liga title. Below are some of the comments the Blaugrana camp made to the club’s official site after the match.

Pep Guardiola

“To start with a 0-3 win is important. We have lacked a spark, but that is normal. More games will give us that throughout the season. We are very satisfied with what we have done.”

On Racing Santander
“They are one of the few teams that we have played face-to-face as they did not resort to long balls. We watched them and doubted that they would and instead they tried their luck.”

On Victor Valdes
“He is Mister Reliable. He is very important to us between the posts and in the dressing room. Valdés gives everyone confidence. His penalty save at that moment was crucial to the game.”

On Andres Iniesta
“He is in great form after a very complicated year. His goal was very difficult to pull off.”

On taking precaution with Puyol and Xavi
“Along with the doctors we decided not to risk him. We cannot lose such important players and prefer to protect them. We would rather that they miss one day rather than suffer an injury that would keep them out for longer.”

“I am sure the doctors there [in the Spain squad] will be careful with them both.”

David Villa

“I am pleased with the way everything went today. I am pleased with the result, the win and the three points. It was a complete league debut and I could not do any more. The team has played well and we always had the initiative while playing well and dominating. We created chances and won well. To start the season is always tricky and we came from pre-season without much time. We took the points though and felt good.”

“I have never had much luck in this stadium [El Sardinero]. But my luck is changing and this is a new chapter. Today I played well here and scored. It was not easy to fit straight in here in some ways, but in others it has been great. What is certain [is] that the players here are suited to my way of playing.”

“I dedicate this to all my family. It was just chance that the game was near where I am from and they could come.”

Xavi Hernandez

“It is very important to start the league well and now there is a break and many of us will go away for internationals.”

“Without doubt we have a great team to retain the title.”

Víctor Valdes

“The defensive work was great. Racing wanted to play football and were brave while we played well and created chances with our style.”

“I do not think it was a penalty, but once they are given that is it. The last time I saved a penalty was at Betis and I personally pleased that I was able to help the team here.”

“[ Puyol and Xavi ] felt knocks and it is intelligent to not risk them.”

“I am very pleased for Villa and he told me that he picked up an injury here, but now everything was fine.”

“To go to join the Spain squad is great.”

Sergio Busquets

“The game was good in general. They are only three points, but it is much better to start like that because we wanted to calm ourselves.”

“Villa is a great player and he scored twice, even though one was ruled out, but the win is more important than the players.” 

Source: www.fcbarcelona.com