Rijkaard wants Barca response

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has reacted to criticism from the likes of Edmilson as he has asked his Catalan side to produce the results on the pitch; starting with the match with Recreativo Huelva this weekend.

"We need to react on the pitch. It is the moment to face up and demonstrate they are committed and that we want to have a good season," Rijkaard told a news conference on Friday.

The Brazilian defender has criticized his team-mates in public last week during a TV show questioning some of his colleagues commitment and asking them to be more united.

"I'm not saying what Edmilson said was wrong, just that it wasn't the appropriate way to do it. It is better to talk about it in the dressing room," Rijkaard added.

The players met on Thursday to discuss the matter, without Rijkaard and the coaching staff, and Edmilson apologised to the group.

"They have decided not to speak in public again on these matters. I have spoken with captain Carles Puyol to get the reaction of the group and we had another meeting this morning with everyone present. I hope that is the end of it."