Vilanova: Players are not thinking of Champions League final

Sep 18, 2012 5:27:00 PM

The Catalan's coach has insisted the team are not thinking too far ahead despite many already believing their name is on the trophy, he says they must take care of business first

Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has claimed the team are focused on beating Spartak Moscow on Wednesday, despite talk of them already being favourites to lift the Champions League trophy in May.

The 44-year-old was in bullish mood when asked about the game at Camp Nou against Unai Emery's side, calling the Russian Premier League team 'difficult and dynamic'.

“It is too early to be thinking about the final at Wembley,” he told a press conference today. “In the Champions League, any team can beat any other. There are no easy games.

“The Champions League is basically the most important competition, besides our league. The first game of the tournament is a very important one – you have to give it your all because of its importance.

“It will be a tough game. Spartak will not be easy, they are a dynamic team that want to succeed. Unai Emery always makes it difficult for us, he's always brave with his selections. I'm sure they will put us under pressure.”

Vilanova then commented on the pressure he feels under being the number one at the Blaugrana, and also fitness updates on some of the squad.

“The pressure I feel is from myself,” he said. “Not from anyone on the outside.

“[Carles] Puyol will be out. But it's clear that [Javier] Mascherano and [Gerard] Pique can't play every game for us. We'll also see how Jordi Alba and Alexis [Sanchez] are tomorrow at training.”

He concluded by remarking on the mood inside the camp, following their successful start to the season.

“I don't think the players are euphoric, they're accustomed to winning four games in a row.”

Midfielder Thiago Alcantara also confirmed his fitness ahead of the game, telling reporters: "Yes, my recovery [from injury] has gone well. I am ready to play 90 minutes."

The 21-year-old also weighed in on the Cesc Fabregas issue, following the former Arsenal man's comments that he is unhappy sitting on the bench for the club.

He said: "I think the Cesc debate is unfair. As we saw the other day [against Getafe], when he plays he makes the difference."

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