The Brazilian has not forgotten FC Barcelona’s last two games in Gijón, which ended in a one-goal win for FCB and a draw. “We suffered there last year” he remembered.
Two years ago, only a Pedro goal split the sides in Gijón, and last season a late Villa snatched a
draw when defeat was looming at El Molinón. These are two good warnings for Sunday’s return
to Asturias. Adriano Correia remembered that “we suffered there last year and struggled to
win two years ago. It is a key game, because it comes just before the international break”.
Comfortable in any position
Adriano is a versatile player and Josep Guardiola has used him in several different
positions. This season, he started at left back to cover for several injuries in defence, and then
played on the right of midfield at Mestalla. But “whether we play 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 it makes no
difference to me, I can play further back or further forward. We saw that in Valencia”.
5-0 win a confidence boost
The win in Minsk was the first on the road this season, and Adriano feels “winning 5-0
gives us more confidence. We have had some tough away games and have only drawn until now. We
created a lot of chances against Real Sociedad but didn’t get goals like we did on
Wednesday.” He also added that the team cannot afford to let the intensity drop in any games
no matter what the score.
Praise for Messi and Puyol
On his team mate Leo Messi, Adriano Correia agrees that he is the best player in the world.
“It is a privilege to play alongside him. There is nobody quite like him today. He is above
everyone else.” Adriano is convinced that he will beat Cesar’s record this season and
become the highest goalscorer in FC Barcelona history, a feat he is now just 41 shy of achieving.
Adriano ended his press conference with some words for Carles Puyol: “He is a captain
who has a lot of force in this team. He motivates us and is a great team mate. He gives us
life”.