There is no way to play against Barcelona, claims Jose Luis Mendilibar

There is no way to play against Barcelona, claims Mendilibar

Jan 27, 2013 3:30:00 AM

The Spanish trainer has absolved his men of the pressure to attain a result against the Primera Division leaders, stating they would be better off focusing on themselves

Osasuna coach Jose Mendilibar has admitted there is no discernable method to contain Barcelona, and has rallied his men to instead concentrate on playing their own game against the Catalans.

The front-runners host the minnows on Sunday hungry to extend their lead at the top of the league over fellow contenders Atletico Madrid, and the 51-year-old has no doubt as to the task awaiting his men.

"There is truly no way to play against Barcelona," Mendilibar admitted to assembled reporters.

"We just have to be honest and realistic with our expectations, and hope to play the way we normally do.

"We will go to Barcelona without any pressure."

Mendilibar's counterpart Tito Vilanova is presently in New York undergoing treatment for a cancer relapse, so assistant Jordi Roura will take to the Blaugrana bench in his stead.