“For the past five days, what have you been emphasizing with your players?
There was no match, we had the necessary time to analyze and see what we did wrong and what we needed to improve (2-3 defeat in the first leg). My first thought is that the match was very hard fought, the result did not reflect exactly what we deserved I think. We’re going to get high and present a better version of us, we’re not speculating. We are convinced that we will turn the situation around. It will be a complicated match for both teams, we have the need and the objective to qualify.
Should we take all the risks after losing the first leg?
After 27 matches without defeat, we had one on the day we least needed it. Afterwards we have to get up and improve our game. We are ready to put in a good performance, I have no doubt that we will play well tomorrow (Tuesday).
How much did not playing this weekend benefit you?
We played the week before and they didn’t, I adapt to what comes up. But it was perfect to prepare for the match. The two days after the match were difficult, we struggled to regain our physical and moral form. But the good thing about football is that it offers us another match six days later. We know what we want to do.
“We had time to prepare our best strategy. We are ready “
Does it change anything not to play at Camp Nou but at Montjuic?
I would have preferred to play at Camp Nou and so would the supporters. Here there were the Olympics and I had the chance to participate in them. I always prefer to play in a legendary stadium against the biggest players but here it is a good stadium to play.
How did you experience the first leg defeat?
The defeat had an impact and not just on the players or the staff but for everyone at the club. We fall and we get up again, we must be used to that, that’s what being a top athlete is all about. You have to accept it. The player has the ability to bounce back. We had time to prepare our best strategy. We are ready, I repeat.
“We will do high pressing. Ter Stegen will play long towards Lewandowski, he has done it 24 times which is a record. There will be goals »
What kind of meeting are you expecting?
We have to win at the opponent’s side, the match will have the same similarities as the first leg, we will press high. Ter Stegen will play long towards Lewandowski, he has done it 24 times which is a record. There will be goals. I hope it will be a spectacular match for the supporters but less so for the coaches.
Is Bradley Barcola fit to start?
Barcola is in condition to play, there are 23 players in the group.”
