Cristian Tello has enthused at Tito Vilanova’s return to Barcelona, admitting that the team had felt his absence.
The Coach is set to begin reintegration into working life again at the club after two months in New York receiving treatment as part of his recovery from a second round of cancer.
For Tello, his impending return is a welcome one.
“I’m very pleased with his return. We need him,” the 21-year-old told reporters this week.
“He’ll ease into his time with the team. The important thing is that he recovers well.
“The team have been very good, but his absence has been noticeable because the presence of the head Coach is always very important.
“We have all had to help, with the players and Jordi [Roura] all united when he was gone.
“Roura has done a spectacular job. He’s continued on with the team and he’s delivered as the acting manager.”
Tello was talking ahead of Barca’s trip away on Saturday evening to Celta Vigo.
“We are very focused on the League. Each match is a final for us, and we want to win as many points as possible.
“Celta are fighting for their lives and they will be a difficult rival to defeat.”
The attacking winger was asked of the news that former Barca striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was successful in having his European ban halved by UEFA.
It means he is now available for both legs of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League quarter-final with Barcelona.
“It’s a decision made by UEFA. PSG were already a dangerous rival and even more so with Ibrahimovic on the pitch.
“They have a great team, both on defence and going forward. Their counterattacks are devastating.
“Regardless, we won’t change our style of play.”
