Gerardo Martino says FC Barcelona must avoid the mistakes they made on Saturday as they defend a 2-0 lead against a Manchester City FC team also beaten at the weekend.
Barcelona’s visitors also suffered a surprise defeat at the weekend, but Rubén Cousillas – who will deputise for suspended City manager Manuel Pellegrini – says the frustration felt after their FA Cup elimination is “forgotten” as they seek to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit away to “the best team in the world”.
Martino charged his boys, “We have to think that ten or 12 days ago, we played a very good match against Manchester City. I don’t see why we can’t do the same today and I’m sure we will play well. We have to separate the league from the Champions League and we are at an advantage, so Valladolid has to be put to one side”.
Rubén Cousillas, assistant manager of Manchester City on his part urged his players to show character and record a famous victory against the Messi led team.
“It’s difficult to say when we will score a goal because Barcelona are the best team in the world with the best players in the world. All clubs go through tough times at some point in the season, but I don’t think that will be a determining factor today.
The decisions are taken by [Manuel] Pellegrini. I have worked with him for 13 years and I know what he wants. Tomorrow he can’t be on the bench [because of suspension] so it’s up to me to make substitutions, etc,” he said.
