Messi is universally acclaimed as the best footballer globally, capable of elevating any team with his skill and talent.
Barcelona, Spain - Jordi Roura, the assistant coach of FC Barcelona, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, which he described as an "early final between the two best teams of recent Champions League history."
In a series of interviews, Roura spoke about the team's preparation, player availability, and the challenges posed by the German giants.
Regarding the team's star player, Lionel Messi, Roura did not confirm or deny his presence in the starting lineup. He stated, "He's the best player in the world and would condition any team, but we've won important games without him." Roura added that Messi has been feeling good and is excited about the match, but his participation will depend on how he trains and the advice of the medical team.
Another key player for Barcelona could be Eric Abidal, who played his first complete game this weekend after 14 months fighting cancer. Roura hinted that Abidal could be a starter in the upcoming game.
Roura also praised Xavi, who he deemed to be in great form. He stated, "Xavi is very important for us. He's been playing exceptionally well."
The coach expects a very even game, with imposing the style being one of the keys. He said, "Tomorrow's game will be played at a high pace, with a lot of intensity, and the team that manages to impose its style of play will have a big advantage."
Roura accepted Bayern's favouritism with reservations, acknowledging their impressive run in the Bundesliga and Champions League. He stated, "We know the trajectory the Bayern has, the Bundesliga has been won for a long time, in the Champions League and the Cup they've done very well. We know it will be difficult."
Despite this, Roura expressed his satisfaction with Barcelona's qualification for the semi-finals for the sixth consecutive time, stating that "reaching the semi-finals is very important." He also praised Bayern's semi-final qualification, stating that it was a cause for satisfaction.
When asked about the possibility of contacting Pep Guardiola, who will be the coach of Bayern Munich next year, Roura stated that he had not spoken to him about the upcoming game.
Roura predicted that "these tiebreakers are decided in the second leg, by small results, it's very difficult for it to be settled in this first game and we assume it will be decided at the Camp Nou."
With the Champions League semi-final looming, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be one of the best games in recent history. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: it will be a thrilling contest between two of the best teams in the recent past of the Champions League.
Barbara, Spain - Concerning the upcoming Champions League semi-final, Jordi Roura, the assistant coach of FC Barcelona, indicated that the match could be a", "European leagues football clash between the two oldest champions of the recent Champions League history."
Regarding the team's preparation, Roura pointed out that they would strive to, "Impose their style of play on the German champions in the Champions League semifinals as one of the key parameters for success."
