Sergio Busquets has admitted that the Barcelona players do feel Coach Tito Vilanova’s absence every day, but that they are determined to win for him.
The tactician is currently based in New York as he undergoes chemotherapy as part of his second fight against throat cancer.
Not due back until the end of the month, Barca have suffered a recent mini-slump in form, leading to suggestions that his absence is taking its toll.
“When the boss is not here, everyone misses him. His absence is felt and day by day it is more difficult,” admitted Busquets to reporters at the Gala of Stars of Catalan Football this week.
“We all have to put more into the team. The team will go for the League and Champions League because that will be very good for Tito and we will all be super-positive.
“But what comes first, in the case of Tito or any companion, is health.”
The Catalans face Milan next week in the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie, with a 2-0 deficit to try and overturn at the Camp Nou.
“The players are the first to believe in the comeback. Clearly we have an adverse outcome from the first leg to begin with, but we are the first to be convinced that we will overcome it.
“We have a final and our support at home will be stronger. Hopefully it will go well.
“The team is as they usually are. What is clear is that we always overcome slumps and now we have two defeats in major competitions against two great teams.
“But we must continue, correct the mistakes and make sure the team will succeed.”
