Barça currently lie seven points behind Real Madrid at the top of the Primera Division, but despite the current gap, Rijkaard feels that there is still a long way to go before the destination of this year's title is decided.
"The league is not determined," he told the gathered press, "there is no need for dramatics as we can still reach our goals."
Barcelona have three successive home games coming up in La Liga and the Copa del Rey and Rijkaard feels that these games are vital to turning their season around.
"With the aid of our public, in these three games it is necessary to add points and to look for results. We still have many games left to play, points to play for and competitions that we can win."
Having drawn 1-1 with Sevilla in the first leg of their Copa del Rey tie in mid-week and with the second leg scheduled for next Wednesday, it was suggested that Rijkaard may rest players such as Iniesta, Xavi and Puyol for the Murcia game, although the Dutchman seemed more concerned with the threat that Murcia may pose to his side.
"Murcia is not an easy team to play. They are well organized, have good wide players who can come in and cause problems and a good collective spirit. We must be mentally prepared to get the right result."
A number of Barcelona players - including Xavi and Puyol - have spoken out against the treatment of Deco and Ronaldinho in recent days, but Rijkaard thinks that such outbursts can only hurt the club.
"My message was that should they not speak about companions with people outside the club because that can cause damage. The press puts them in the situation, but we must demonstrate togetherness and not fall into these type of traps."
Rijkaard confirmed that both Deco and Ronaldinho are still likely to be missing for the game against Murcia and ended the press conference fending off questions about the likely replacement for substitute goalkeeper Albert Jorquera.
"The player Pinto is good [Manuel Pinto of Celta Vigo]," he concluded coyly.
"The league is not determined," he told the gathered press, "there is no need for dramatics as we can still reach our goals."
Barcelona have three successive home games coming up in La Liga and the Copa del Rey and Rijkaard feels that these games are vital to turning their season around.
"With the aid of our public, in these three games it is necessary to add points and to look for results. We still have many games left to play, points to play for and competitions that we can win."
Having drawn 1-1 with Sevilla in the first leg of their Copa del Rey tie in mid-week and with the second leg scheduled for next Wednesday, it was suggested that Rijkaard may rest players such as Iniesta, Xavi and Puyol for the Murcia game, although the Dutchman seemed more concerned with the threat that Murcia may pose to his side.
"Murcia is not an easy team to play. They are well organized, have good wide players who can come in and cause problems and a good collective spirit. We must be mentally prepared to get the right result."
A number of Barcelona players - including Xavi and Puyol - have spoken out against the treatment of Deco and Ronaldinho in recent days, but Rijkaard thinks that such outbursts can only hurt the club.
"My message was that should they not speak about companions with people outside the club because that can cause damage. The press puts them in the situation, but we must demonstrate togetherness and not fall into these type of traps."
Rijkaard confirmed that both Deco and Ronaldinho are still likely to be missing for the game against Murcia and ended the press conference fending off questions about the likely replacement for substitute goalkeeper Albert Jorquera.
"The player Pinto is good [Manuel Pinto of Celta Vigo]," he concluded coyly.
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