Josep Guardiola was proud of the way that his players went about beating Ceuta on Wednesday night and ensuring that they progressed to the next round of the Copa del Rey.
FC Barcelona beat their visitors 5-1 and the boss was pleased: “We passed through a dangerous
tie with flying colours,” he said. “I value that result and am very pleased to have
made it into the next round. We want to continue on the same line as we have been and the players
showed the same today as they did when we played in Ceuta.”
Milito injury
One blot on the evening was the injury to Gaby Milito, who is sidelined for at
least four weeks. “It is a shame,” Guardiola continued before reflecting on the next
game, where he will be without the suspended Gerard Piqué. The boss commented that a youth team
player will be promoted. “There will be no other choice,” he said. The rest of the
evening was great though.”
Ceuta strengths
On Ceuta’s performance Guardiola stated: “They are very well
organised and went forward when they had the ball. They also scored a goal and, although we managed
to score five, it was not easy for us to find ways of breaking them down. I wish them luck.”
Messi entrance
Lionel Messi entered the fray in the second half and Guardiola explained why he
chose to use the forward. “He did not train today and told me he wanted to play for a
while,” he explained. “It was also for the people who had come to cheer us on. They
deserved to see the best and he likes to play and said he wanted to.”
Unbeatable fans
Around 39,000 fans watched the game inside Camp Nou and Guardiola was content.
“I hope they enjoyed it,” he said. “We know what the fans are like, unique and
unbeatable.”
Thiago praise
Thiago was again given time to experience life at the top and Guardiola was pleased
with the youngster. “He can still grow so much more,” the coach stated. “I want
to congratulate him for the way he played. He is a daring player and has the capability of
unbalancing any opposition with his great natural talent. He is young, quick and confident. He has
no fear and I knew him in La Tercera and he did the same things. He lacks a couple of things to be
the finished article and I have no doubt that he will go on to be just that.”
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Thankful youngsters
The FC Barcelona coach was keen to remind the rising youth team stars that they need to remember
where they are. “I always tell them that they have to be thankful to Barça,” Pep
Guardiola said. “They are in a unique place, unbeatable, and they are privileged. In football
you have to be audacious and they are. That is why we have such faith in them.”