Vilanova: Barca are not the favourites, yet ~ iNewsGh

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Vilanova: Barca are not the favourites, yet

Tito Vilanova says it is too early to talk of favourites for the Champions League, stressing that it is important for Barcelona to win their opening game.
The Catalans, who are one of the tournament’s favourites, kick off their campaign on Wednesday night at home to Spartak Moscow.
President Sandro Rosell stated earlier that the club would be wise to win their opening fixture, in a point that Vilanoa picked up on.
“I see this match as very important, but no more so than any other. Everyone knows the importance. The Champions League is possibly the most important competition, together with La Liga,” he told today’s Press conference.
“There are six games in the group phase, but on the other hand, we know that the first game is important. We do not want to have a poor start.
“It is important also because it is at home and we intend to do our very best. The Champions League motivates us, we are very excited. All the players know how good it is to get to the knockout stage. Is there pressure? I do not feel any pressure, beyond that I put on myself.”
Vilanova dismissed the idea that the club are out to avenge last year’s semi-final exit.
“In football you cannot always win and it is hard to maintain a winning cycle. It is four consecutive years in the semi-finals of the Champions League. This club always has to try and win every championship and all the trophies, but we demand this ourselves.
“I have been with the first team for four years, in which we have reached two finals and I know that it is important to start well. Otherwise, you are playing catch-up. We all feel comfortable at the moment, but we face some difficult opponents.”
It is one reason why the Coach refused to be drawn on Barcelona’s capacity to win this year’s edition of the tournament.
“I do not agree that we are favourites. And we see that it will not be easy. Manchester United and Manchester City were strong and went out at the group phase last year.
“Speaking from this stage, we are not favourites. If we reach the semi-finals then we talk about it again. But now, no.
“It is too early to talk about Wembley because the competition has not begun. It is important to take each game as they come. The first is the group games. Wembley brings us many good memories, but it is early, too early to think about the final.”
Vilanova was asked of the League campaign, which sees the side top of the table with maximum points from four games played.
“The players come from winning many trophies and I do not think they are euphoric for winning four games. In this club we are prepared for harsh criticism. I have been fortunate to live, play and work here and I know that everything here is momentary.
“We are in the Champions League, here to talk about that. A bad game and it can become tricky, as you know from experience. Is it better to come into this from a loss? If you arrive after a bad result then there is more tension and you can get more from the game, maybe. I never know what is best.
“I prefer to come into this from good results. You have a higher morale and you believe you are doing better. Football changes very fast, but I always prefer to get good results.”
Vilanova will meet a familiar face on Wednesday in the opposition dugout, with Spartak coached by former Valencia boss Unai Emery.
“Unai we know well. He has always made it very hard for us and always arrives here to put pressure on us. Valencia had that feature, but may not do so now, because he was a brave Coach.
“In the Champions League there is often the point of surprise because you know the other teams less well, but with Emery at Spartak, we can rest a little, because we know him well.
“From what I have seen, they are strong on the counter-attack and they have a reference point in Emenike. They are a dynamic team, they do well on the break and they will make it difficult for us.”

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