Former coach Johan Cruyff is confident Barcelona can add the European Cup to their Primera Liga title when they take on Arsenal in the Champions League final on May 17th.

The Dutchman was critical of the side early in the season as they experienced a stuttering start but was one of the first to hail their achievements after they claimed their second successive championship title last night.

"I am sure we are going to beat Arsenal in Paris," Cruyff told Radio Catalunya. "But we can enjoy what we have won now because we have two weeks to prepare for the final."

Cruyff's coaching achievements - four successive Spanish championships in the early 1990's and Barcelona's only European Cup triumph in 1992 - have hung heavy around the necks of his successors.

But in coach Frank Rijkaard, another Dutchman, Barca appear to have found someone capable of perhaps recreating the era of the 'dream team'.

Cruyff added: "Rijkaard has managed to get the side to function as a team. Some players do the hard work and others do beautiful things with the ball.

"Ronaldinho remains fresh, for example, because other players sacrifice themselves for him, which is the key."

The likes of Brazilian forward Ronaldinho, Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o and Portugal midfielder Deco are the high-profile imported names that provide the glamour to Rijkaard's side.

But behind them have been a supporting cast of homegrown players who have been crucial to the side's success.

The explosive talents of Argentine Lionel Messi were nurtured in the youth ranks, alongside local players such as goalkeeper Victor Valdes, defenders Carles Puyol and Oleguer and midfielder Andres Iniesta.

Another, Spain midfielder Xavi, has missed five months of the season with a serious knee injury and it is a credit to the side they have not appeared to miss him.