Tito Vilanova assumed the failure from the Champions League semifinals against Bayern (0-7), but thinks things would be different if would had available all the squad.
Barcelona coach spoke at the conference after the end of the second leg on Wednesday evening about the absence of the most imporatant player, Leo Messi.
“He played in Bilbao because he felt much better at the time, but at the end of that match had pain. It’s extremely hard for him, a so explosive player as Leo has no way to pass over a hard time without training. I would introduced him, but I would have risked lose him for a long time. I did not want to do that, we all know how much represents in our game .” said the Catalans’ tactician.
Then Tito Vilanova explained why replaced Xavi and Iniesta and believes that Bayern won so clear because had all players available. Meanwhile, held to congratulate the opponents and recognized all their merits.
“We must congratulate them and recognize that deserve this qualification. Yet imagine how would look without Ribery and Robben. We must recover those injured and improve our game. We will make some changes in the team this summer, but in big part the group will remain the same. I replaced Iniesta and Xavi because it was clear that we could not turn the fate of qualification. I wanted they to be rested for the match on Sunday, from the championship (with Betis) . If would have a chance with Bayern, I would have left them on the field.” said Barcelona coach.
Vilanova wanted to point out two of his players, despite the dramatic defeat. ” Song demonstrated recently that is a man whom we can rely. Also on Bartra we can consider a high gain, slowly becoming a very important player in the middle of defense.”