Rijkaard still open to signings
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Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has confirmed the captures of Juventus duo Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram may not be the last at Camp Nou this summer.
The European champions splashed around £13 million on the two defenders on Thursday evening to add to the already glittering array of talent at the Dutchman's disposal.
Barca had previously added striker Eidur Gudjohnsen from Chelsea and were expected to end their summer spending at £21 million.
However, Rijkaard has refused to rule out more new faces at the Catalan giants ahead of the new campaign.
"At first we were happy with the team we had but you always have to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves," Rijkaard told the club's official website.
"A great club should never close its doors. We now have a great squad but you never know what might happen."
Meanwhile, Rijkaard believes the signings of Zambrotta and Thuram will add much-needed competition for places in defensive areas.
Both players are expected to be regular features in Barcelona's starting line-up but Rijkaard insists their back-ups will still play a big role for the club next season.
"The club have signed two players that can bring a lot to the side. It is good to have them because the season is long, with many games, and we now have sufficient players to start our new adventure," he added.
"Zambrotta is a great player who has played at a high level for a number of years and of Thuram I don't need to say much. As a footballer he has won everything.
"It is important that we have people of the highest level who know what's needed in the dressing room and on the pitch for the team to have more success."
The European champions splashed around £13 million on the two defenders on Thursday evening to add to the already glittering array of talent at the Dutchman's disposal.
Barca had previously added striker Eidur Gudjohnsen from Chelsea and were expected to end their summer spending at £21 million.
However, Rijkaard has refused to rule out more new faces at the Catalan giants ahead of the new campaign.
"At first we were happy with the team we had but you always have to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves," Rijkaard told the club's official website.
"A great club should never close its doors. We now have a great squad but you never know what might happen."
Meanwhile, Rijkaard believes the signings of Zambrotta and Thuram will add much-needed competition for places in defensive areas.
Both players are expected to be regular features in Barcelona's starting line-up but Rijkaard insists their back-ups will still play a big role for the club next season.
"The club have signed two players that can bring a lot to the side. It is good to have them because the season is long, with many games, and we now have sufficient players to start our new adventure," he added.
"Zambrotta is a great player who has played at a high level for a number of years and of Thuram I don't need to say much. As a footballer he has won everything.
"It is important that we have people of the highest level who know what's needed in the dressing room and on the pitch for the team to have more success."
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