David Villa has reflected that Barcelona cannot repeat mistakes made against Milan if they are to overcome Paris Saint-Germain.
La Blaugrana head into tonight’s first leg Champions League quarter-final against PSG with the memory still fresh of a 2-0 first leg defeat at San Siro in the previous round.
“We cannot commit the same error we did against Milan because it’s difficult to fight back. We need to be on form in both matches,” warned Villa in his pre-game conference.
“Not only do you learn from defeats though, it is in victories also.
“In a competition like this you cannot talk of favourites. This can only be decided on the pitch.
“Every team that has made it to this point deserves to be here, and all of them can make it to the final.
“To score a goal is what we have in mind. We know that scoring away from home is very important.
“We know that this is just one game and there is the return in Barcelona, but we will try to return to Barcelona with an advantage.”
Former Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will pull focus tonight too.
“When you talk about players like Ibrahimovic all you can hope for is that he doesn't have a good night. I have confidence in our defence, they have played against him before.
“He’s one of a kind. Thanks to the new owners, PSG have made some invaluable signings, with prestige…they are among the eight best in Europe right now.”
Barca will welcome Tito Vilanova back to the bench tonight.
“It’s a great joy to have him here with us. He’s our leader and that makes everything easier, especially when so much is at stake.
“We are so so happy to see him like this, healthy. We have to enjoy him and hope that from now on it’s nothing but good news.”
The striker was asked of his current situation, on his form, fitness and future.
“I feel great physically despite the small injuries. I have more confidence now than I had a couple of week ago. I’m happy and content.
“It would be disrespectful to talk about my future ahead one of the biggest matches of the season. It’s about the team not the situation of one player.
“I have played and trained hard in order to have more time on the pitch and be influential in the team.
“I’m reaping the fruits of my hard work. I live in the present, I don’t focus on the past or the future.”
