Vilanova: I would rather have supper than watch Madrid derby

Nov 30, 2012 6:48:00 PM

The trainer believes that Los Blancos' title hopes will not be affected by the outcome of Saturday's game, and advised his players to focus on their own performance

Barcelona head coach Tito Vilanova has stated that the Catalans should not concern themselves with the result from the Madrid derby and should concentrate on Athletic Bilbao instead.

Pep Guardiola's former assistant revealed that he has plenty to do on Saturday evening, and this does not include watching Jose Mourinho's team in action.

"I have to attend my media conference and then have some supper. I have no intention of seeing [the derby] or following it," Vilanova said at a press conference.

"Whether they [Real Madrid] are 14 or 16 points behind us is not important, they will not give up. I do not bother myself with that and neither should the players."

The coach quickly shifted the focus to Barcelona's opponents on Saturday, Athletic Bilbao, and demanded concentration from his men.

"My players know that Marcelo Bielsa’s teams exert much pressure and we’ll need to work. They've lost key players , but that does not make them any less dangerous.

"The quality Llorente has is important, but he’s had contractual problems. He has the ability to play for any big team in Europe."

Two Barcelona players, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, are among the three finalists for the Ballon d'Or and Vilanova hopes the award goes to one of them.

"I hope that one of the two wins. It depends on the votes but whoever wins it will be fair."