FCBARCELONA.CAT

21.02.2010 18:02

Cacau: “The home tie is key”

Berta Brau/ Edgar Fornós

Speaking exclusively to Barça TV and fcbarcelona.cat, Stuttgart striker Cacau admitted his admiration for Barca and insisted that victory on Tuesday: “is key to us getting through to the next round”.

What is the key to the tie?

We have to get a good result at home, because when Barca play at home it is very difficult to win. I hope they may be over confident and not commit themselves completely.

How do you see the tie going?

It’s tough for us, but we were all happy with the draw because we wanted to play a big team and we got the best in Europe. We are hoping to play well and cause an upset.

So, you are optimistic?

We’ve got nothing to lose. Barca are favourites and we maybe have a 20 or 30% chance of getting through, but we will be trying to make the most of our opportunities.

What do you see as the main threat from Barca?

Everything! But principally Xavi and Iniesta in midfield and Messi in attack, though there are so many other great players - those three are the essential elements of the team.

And what about Stuttgart ?

Mainly our teamwork. I think that if we all play together we will have more chances.

One of Barca’s strong `points is their attack, but they also have pretty good stats in defence. How do you see their defending?

They are difficult to get through, especially when Puyol plays – he’s a real example as a player. It’s a team that’s full of stars, but he’s the captain and he never gives up. I think he’s a great asset to their defence, but there are other players such as Alves too. I can see no weakness in their team.

As a front man yourself, how would you define Barca’s attack?

It’s really varied and you never know where they are going to hit you from next with midfielders like Iniesta and Xavi coming through and talent like Messi and Ibrahimovic, as well as Alves who constantly pushes forward.

You played against Barca in 2007. Have you learnt not to repeat the mistakes made back then?

Mentally we’ve changed; we’re stronger and have more experience. We have a boss who puts great emphasis on discipline. So, I don’t think we’ll make the same mistakes, though Barca have also improved since then and have strong players.

You’ve shown two different characters this season in Europe and in the Bundesliga. Why’s that do you think?

There aren’t many games in Europe and you know you have to give everything in every game as a bad game can just see you out of the competition, whereas in the league there is a greater margin and more games. We are now really focussed on the Bundesliga, because we don’t want to go down to the second division again and maybe that’s why the Champions League is very much in the background for us.