Cesc Fabregas believes Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg against Atletico Madrid is a hard but winnable fixture.
The sides are level at 1-1 from the first-leg at Camp Nou and speaking at a pre-match Press conference, Fabregas predicted another close game between La Liga’s top two.
“The key is to be together as a team. Individually we will give a lot because it is a big game and we hope to win a big tournament,” Mundo Deportivo reports Fabregas as saying.
“We have done well in these games and we really want to win. That’s our hope.
“It may be a harder game. When Atletico have to get a 0-0 they have good lines together in their team and don’t have the pressure of their public.
“We have enough quality to beat them but we must compete at the same level. If we do, the quality is there to win.”
Fabregas was asked about the possibility he could be selected to play as a false nine, as has been rumoured in the Spanish Press.
“I’ve spent three years playing in that position so I’m comfortable,” the former Arsenal captain replied.
“I don’t know if I’ll play. The Coach hasn’t confirmed anything.
“Whatever happens, I trust this team blindly.
“It’s a key game for this team in this competition if we want to do something great. I’m sure we’ll be ready.
“I feel more important this season,” Fabregas continued.
“I have contributed a lot, more perhaps than I thought.
“I’ve wanted to take a step forward, although this month I’ve had some problems.
“But I’m eager to compete with anyone and especially in the game [against Atletico], but there are 13 or 14 people who can play.
“I always try to give my most for this team as everybody wants to do in big games. I try to give the maximum while playing responsibly.
“I can’t be thinking about what my critics think. I’m very clear in what I want to do here and hopefully I can play a great game.”
Fabregas went on to explain a little about Barcelona's game plan for the trip to Vicente Calderon.
