FOOTBALL
“AC Milan are one of the most successful sides in Europe and they play at home. We’ve always had a difficult time at the San Siro ... If nothing strange happens, the winner of the tie will be decided in the return leg,” said Roura
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Jordi Roura talked to the press this Tuesday ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League showdown with AC Milan and he was clear that getting a good result against the Italian side won’t be easy. “AC Milan are one of the most successful sides in Europe and they play at home. We’ve always had a difficult time at the San Siro. It doesn’t make sense to talk about which team is favoured to go through. If nothing strange happens, the winner of the tie will be decided in the return leg,” said Roura, who will play the part of Barça’s head manager tomorrow.
“Milan are a different team [from last year], they play differently and we’ll have to wait and see how they play tomorrow,” said Roura, who added that Milan “are always scary at the San Siro.” The manager also said that he has yet to decide who will feature in the starting line-up tomorrow and that the decision will be made jointly with Tito Vilanova and Aureli Altimira.
Improving the defence
A crucial factor in the round of 16 tie against Milan is not conceding goals. “We normally score more goals than we concede. It’s true that we have to improve certain aspects [of our defence],” he explained. He also declared that his players need to be 100% committed to helping Alexis. “We have to help and encourage Alexis. His work is fantastic and we’re sure he’ll overcome the slump he’s in.”
“I didn’t have a positive experience”
Roura, who picked up an injury at the San Siro 23 years ago when he played for the first team, talked about what it’s like to return to the legendary stadium. “It was a delicate moment in my career and I can’t say that I had a good experience. Back then Milan had one of the best teams in the history of the sport. However, despite that, this stadium is spectacular and it’s always a pleasure to come here.”
Finally, Roura admitted that his players having been eagerly awaiting to play in the Champions League again. “It’s been a while since we’ve played in the Champions League and I have no doubt that quality players are always eager to play these types of matches. They are excited and eager to play,” said the manager.
