Rijkaard And Others Speak On New Signing Pinto Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard has spoken favourably of his new signing José Manuel Pinto and has st

Pinto was presented to the Spanish press earlier this evening and at his unveiling Rijkaard explained why they signed the thirty-three year old as cover for Victor Valdes.

"I am content with his signing, because he is a keeper with experience that can do well in the starting jersey and also as a support.

"He is here to play."

Rijkaard described it as being "very probable" that Pinto would be part of the squad for their home game with Racing Santander on Sunday, but explained that it was dependent "on how he feels after the morning training."

Barça had been linked with a number of different goalkeepers before signing Pinto, but technical secretary Aitor 'Txiki' Begiristain insisted that Pinto was "the first option that was possible" having paid 500,000 Euros for the loan until the end of the season.

Their goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos Unzué, spoke of Pinto in glowing terms when interviewed on Barça's official website about the transfer.

"We settled on Manuel Pinto because he was the best option available.

"There were some things which were really important for us: we were looking for a good goalkeeper who would be happy with his role at the club and was excited about coming to Barcelona. Manual offers us experience and allows us to fill the hole left by Albert’s injury over the next few months."

He also believes that Pinto's experience will be invaluable.

"I think he can provide calmness and security, plus he’s had lots of experience both in our domestic League and in the Champions League with Celta.

"That’s why I reckon he’ll be able to deal with the responsibility and pressure that’s part and parcel of being a Barcelona goalkeeper and in all the competitions we’ll be playing in."

Finally, Unzué believes that Pinto was the correct choice as he will be content with his role as number-two, but will always be ready for the first-team call-up should it arrive.

"As the coach and head of goalkeeping, I think it’s important that he is a person who can accept what his role is going to be and wait for his chance and not throw in the towel.

"He needs to know that Víctor Valdés is our first choice and will remain so, but also that he’s got to put the pressure on, put in the work every day to win our confidence and above all to be ready for the day when we need him," he concluded.