'Ronaldinho is not a machine'

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has defended playmaker Ronaldinho [Images] from criticism that he is not reproducing the kind of form that earned him the World Player of the Year title.

"It is okay to criticise the team because they have shown they can do better but it is too much to only talk about Ronaldinho," Rijkaard told radio Catalunya.

"He is a fundamental player for us but he isn't a robot. Sometimes we forget he is human."

The Brazilian international failed to live up to expectations at the World Cup finals in Germany [Images] and has struggled to inspire the European and Spanish champions in their relatively sluggish start to the season.

Barca are top of the Spanish Primera Liga but some laboured performances have raised questions about the form of the team and Ronaldinho in particular.

"What happened in the World Cup hasn't affected him. He had the right attitude but his team mates just didn't connect with him," Rijkaard said.

"But it is another thing to talk about the pre-season. Because of contractual obligations he had to play every game and this catches up with you in the end.

"We have seen a drop in his performances but we aren't worried. We are managing it and he is doing what he can for the team which is the most important thing."

Both Rijkaard and defender Rafael Marquez have pinpointed the club's two-week promotional tour of Mexico and the US as a major disruption to Barca's preparations for the season.

In a separate newspaper interview Ronaldinho, who has a history of slow starts, backed Rijkaard's assessment of his state of form.

"I start every season the same and the team have started similarly. I am getting into it with the team and we are developing together," Ronaldinho told El Periodico on Thursday.

"I am not a machine. My only objective is to help the team and when they need me I will be there."

Barca face a tough October with high-profile clashes against UEFA [Images] Cup holders Sevilla, Real Madrid [Images] and two games against Chelsea in the Champions League.

© Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.