Barcelona Coach Tito Vilanova has described giving cantera players a chance as 'a matter of courage.'
Speaking at a press conference ahead of his side's meeting with Celta Vigo tomorrow night, Vilanova was asked some questions seemingly designed to cause friction between him and Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who has been hesitant to give youth team products game time.
“For me its difficult to speak of other teams, I only know how we work,” the former assistant Coach began. “It's also a matter of courage. You have to put out the players that serve to win you the match.”
Lionel Messi is due to become a father and was excused from training today as a result, but Vilanova still expects him to take the field tomorrow.
“If all is well, he will come to play. In principle Leo will play tomorrow, but we'll see how it goes.”
Vilanova then spoke about Celta, a club he has affection for having spent some time there as a player.
“I have good memories of Vigo because they treated me well. In addition, my daughter spent her first year there, so that brings me good memories. On a sporting level I would have liked to have played more, but I gave everything I could.
“The current team try to play good footballl, with pace and possession. I prefer teams that come and try to play a bit more open.”
The 44-year-old denied that Alexis Sanchez or any other forwards would be leaving in January, after speculation linking the Chilean with Tottenham.
“I am satisfied with Alexis, he is doing what he is asked. If he won't reach the level we expect, it'll also be because I can't get the best out of him.
“Nobody will leave in January. We have six attackers, they all give us something different, and that's perfect.”
