Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Vilanova was very happy with Barcelona win, reveals Roura

The Catalans booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after overcoming a 2-0 first-leg deficit at Camp Nou
Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura has revealed that Tito Vilanova was delighted with the 4-0 win over AC Milan when the pair spoke after the match.

A sensational display from the Blaugrana saw them dominate from start to finish at Camp Nou, progressing to the quarter-finals 4-2 on aggregate, and Roura hinted that the thrilled head coach may soon be back in Catalunya to celebrate with the team.

"As always, we are in constant contact. I talked to him after the match and he was very happy. The recovery process is going well and in a few days he may be with us," he told reporters.

The Catalans became the first side in history to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit in the Champions League knockout rounds, and Roura believes his players' performance level was enough to silence those who have doubted the side in recent weeks.

"We've had a few days where the players have suffered excessive, out-of-place criticism. This has been a day to vindicate them," he went on. "They are special players, they played with a commitment and an incredible intensity. Their attitude has been commendable. I am very happy and proud to be with them."

The Liga leaders altered their formation from the first leg, using a three-man defence and adding David Villa to the starting line-up, and Roura was thrilled that the tactical change proved successful.

"Our intention was to focus more on their centre, where they are less comfortable," he revealed.

"David is a very good player, we knew he could take advantage of any opportunity. [Javier] Mascherano is a very good passer of the ball and he could reach the flanks more easily."

Barcelona head into the quarter-final draw as one of the favourites to lift the trophy in May, but Roura insists they must take each game as it comes - including a possible meeting with Real Madrid.

"This tie has shown that every opponent is dangerous. Now people say we are favourites, but I don't think so. The draw is on Friday, and then we'll see. One step at a time," he added.

"The draw will be what it will be. If we draw Real Madrid, then we will play Real Madrid. We will fight and we will prepare with the strongest intensity possible."

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