Rosell: An unexpected defeat, but…

Sandro Rosell admitted that Barcelona were not expecting defeat to Real Madrid, but that it is not going to affect them too much.

La Blaugrana lost 3-1 at Camp Nou on Tuesday evening to be knocked out 4-2 on aggregate by Madrid at the semi-final stage of the Copa del Rey.

“We have suffered a defeat that we did not expect,” stated the President to reporters post-match.

“We have to congratulate Madrid and we have to move on quickly and start thinking about the match on Saturday and to other commitments ahead of us that are more important than the Cup, like the Champions League and the League.

“Whoever progresses to the next round is usually the fair winner. It’s a shame that Pedro didn’t get the 2-0 in Madrid, but these things happen. It’s football.

“We played like we have played in every other game, against a closed defence, but they have a deadly counter-attack.

“We will continue playing our way because it is our style and it is what we like and know. We do not play on the counter-attack.

“I do not believe that this is a letdown. This team deserves to be believed in. They’ve been together for four and a half years and in football it’s impossible to win everything.

“I know it’s difficult, but we can’t forget what they’ve done. Our fans have matured tremendously over the years and they know that we can’t always win.”

Barca soon welcome Milan to the Camp Nou, chasing a 2-0 deficit from the first leg at San Siro.

“I do not think this defeat will affect us against Milan. These players are the biggest, the best, with the most titles won and the best style of play.

“We have had two bad games, but I do not think it will affect anyone. They are very professional and are used to winning.

“I do not believe these are destabilising games, just two that have gone wrong.”

Rosell confirmed that he will be flying out to New York next week to plan for next season with Coach Tito Vilanova.

“His health is the most important thing. It’s takes priority, it’s more important than tonight’s match or tomorrow’s titles.

“We miss him as a person and a professional. Whilst he is absent, Roura will continue managing the first team because we have a lot of confidence in him.”

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