Lionel Messi admits to hurting for Barcelona’s recent form, but is confident that they can bounce back, with the game against Milan next week ‘key’.
Barca have suffered a dip in form of late, following up a 2-0 loss to the Rossoneri in the Champions League Last 16 first leg with defeats to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and League.
“I’m not sad. Hurt, yes, but not sad. We do not like to lose and less so when for important things,” reflected Messi to reporters at the launch of Adidas’ ‘Team Messi’ campaign.
“We have the perfect time to now change things. The desire is there to improve every day and to want more, as it is with the rest of the dressing room, we will continue to always compete in the same manner.
“Every year we want to win everything, excel from season to season. That is the key to approaching things at an individual and collective level.”
The Argentine turned his attention to next week’s second leg clash with Milan and the fact that the team need two goals to pull level in the tie.
“We need a little more of everything and we are aware. We come off the back of major defeats and we should all give more of ourselves so as to change the situation.
“I know that the match against Milan will be key to making a good change.
“I hope we can do it. We all do. It will be difficult, but it is possible. What we could not do over there [in Italy], we can do here.
“If we concede a goal then it will be much more complicated, but we will have our chances to get through the round.”
The 25-year-old has yet to score from open play against Italian opposition, managing three penalties from nine previous appearances against Serie A sides.
“Italian teams are very well organised and they leave no spaces in defence. Hopefully next Tuesday is the day I can score my first goal from open play against the Italians.”
Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid are already qualified for the quarter-finals after a 3-2 aggregate win over Manchester United.
“Madrid are proving to be very strong. They knocked us out of the Copa del Rey and are already in the quarter-finals. They are a candidate to win the Champions League, as were United.”
