Barcelona star Ronaldinho has been heavily criticized for his form so far this season, but the Brazilian was one of the brightest lights in an otherwise tentative display by the Catalans at Valladolid on Thursday. The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year was happy to score his first goal from open play this season, but said he was disappointed that Barca failed to get the three points.
“Little by little, I am getting my form back and I am happy to be playing better as each game goes by,” Ronaldinho told reporters after the 1-1 draw. “Every player needs to score. Scoring again and getting into my rhythm was positive. I hope to maintain this level for a long time,” he added.
Of greater concern to coach Frank Rijkaard is the team’s poor away form, a problem the team has carried over from last season. Barcelona has just six points from five away games thus far, which compares poorly to league leader and defending champion Real Madrid’s 10 points on the road, including emphatic wins at Villarreal and Valencia. Barca is second in the La Liga table with 21 points after 10 games, four adrift of Real.