Almeria vs Barcelona preview - Iniesta interested in points
Posted Friday, September 27, 2013 by PA
Andres Iniesta has insisted Barcelona are thinking about points rather than records as they prepare to face Almeria.
Victory would see Barcelona achieve their best ever start to a league season after victory in their opening six matches, but with Atletico Madrid matching them every step of the way so far, Iniesta is more concerned with adding another three points to their tally than writing a new page in the record books.
"We want the three points, not the record," he said. "We need to keep winning and keep improving ... But away matches are always that bit harder".
Iniesta, 29, has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent days following report that negotiations over a new contract have hit trouble, but the midfielder - who has been with the club since the age of 12 - denied any suggestion he could leave.
"I have said many times that my aim is to retire here and the club wants the same," he said. "We all want to reach an agreement. There is no place like this.
"The news coming out and the things people and reporters say are not things I can control. But there is nothing strange or any war going on between Barca and Iniesta. The club wants me here and I want to stay here."
Few would bet against Barcelona extending their winning streak, with Almeria yet to register a victory in six attempts this season and sitting outside the bottom three on goal difference with just three points to their name.
A 2-0 loss at Malaga in midweek increased Almeria's frustrations, and coach Francisco Rodriguez is simply trying to keep his players' heads up during a difficult run.
"We travelled with the intention of taking something for Almeria, so we're disappointed," he said after the Malaga loss.
"We have to pick ourselves up. Thinking about Barcelona, we have to try to compete. We have lost to Malaga but we have to recover."
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