Soccer: Barca boss still confident

[PIC]http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/Managers/Spain/rijkaard_turn.jpg[/PIC]

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard is confident that the Catalans can still seal their passage to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League despite losing to Chelsea.

Didier Drogba's accomplished finish on the turn was enough for Jose Mourinho's side to claim a 1-0 win in the latest instalment of the growing rivalry between the two European giants - a result that leaves The Blues on the brink of qualification with nine points from three games.

However the path for reigning champions Barca is much less clear cut as they currently occupy joint second place with Werder Bremen on just four points in Group A.

Rijkaard's troops face the German champions at home in their final group game on December 5 and may need to avoid defeat to ensure their quest to retain the trophy continues.

Despite Barca's somewhat precarious position Rijkaard says he is confident that his star-studded squad can shake off the disappointment of losing at Stamford Bridge to focus their attentions on finishing second.

"We are obviously sad because losing an important game like this is always sad," said Rijkaard.

"What we have to do is get on with our own jobs and get some energy for the games ahead.

"We have got to be confident that we can go out and look for the right results in order to get to the next stage of the Champions League."

The Dutch boss also praised Chelsea for their resilience after The Blues gained revenge for their home defeat to the Catalans in last season's competition.

However Rikjaard expressed his annoyance at Barca's failure to earn a point, stating that Jose Mourinho's Premiership champions are a now more predictable side than in their last meeting.

"We played a very strong team. They made a good goal and they are a very well organised team who are very good on the counter attack," Rijkaard added.

"Chelsea are a great side, especially when they do go ahead in the game.

"We have to qualify however we can but we still have the confidence to do that.

"We have just got to accept the group standings at present. It doesn't mean we are out of it.

"Chelsea continue to be a dangerous team but I think they were bit more unpredictable last season and that's why we are annoyed we didn't get anything out of the game."

Credit: Sky