Ahead of their trip to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904, Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola shrugged off the defeat against Osasuna and stated that match against Bayer Leverkusen is a priority.
The 41-year-old tactician stated that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 are focused on the European fixture against Leverkusen after having a disastrous weekend in the league, losing out to Osasuna and allowing Real Madrid to take a 10-point lead.
Guardiola reflected his thoughts on the match stating that they have tough opponents in the form of Bayer Leverkusen and they cannot afford to slip-up in the European competition. He praised the Werkself for their attacking mentality, and ability to stifle
possession from opponents.
The Catalan coach specifically highlighted Leverkusen’s ability from set-pieces and stated that Barcelona will come specially prepared to deal with the threat. Guardiola also had kind words for the Never-kusen who are spectacular on the ball.
The former Spanish midfielder stated that La Blaugrana will have to maintain possession to keep a stranglehold on the fixture, or else they will have a tough night in freezing conditions.
"My biggest concern is knowing Leverkusen well; being aware of their virtues.”
"They will be stronger than us when we do not have possession. That will lead to us giving away fouls and corners. And they are very dangerous in the air.”
"If we do not have control [of the ball], we will have problems," the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011 international explained.
However, Barcelona have come under scathing criticism for their displays in La Liga. La Blaugrana have dropped 16 points on their away travels in the current campaign and have allowed Real Madrid to take a 10-point advantage.
When quizzed about their fortunes in the league, Guardiola stated that he is unaffected by such rants and his men are as competitive as ever.
"Not having won, I thought that I'd find myself in a situation like this. But winning 13 of a possible 16 titles shows that we do not throw anything away."
The Catalan club are bookkeepers’ favourites to repeat the heroics of Arrigo Sacchi’s AC Milan which retained the UEFA Champions League title for two times in a row, under the new format. After their adventures on the road, Barcelona welcome Leverkusen at
the Camp Nou on March 7th for the second leg.
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