Jordi Roura has made clear that Barcelona’s complaints about the officiating in midweek is not related to Real Madrid’s previous issues with the same referee.
Spokesman Toni Freixa confirmed yesterday that the club have launched an official complaint against Wolfgang Stark for a point of law in the game between Barca and Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Heading the Press conference today, assistant Coach Roura was asked if this was in anyway a response to Madrid’s previous complaints about the same official, after his officiating of the Champions League Clasico semi-final two years ago.
“Our policy is nothing to do with any other club and their previous problems with the referee. Our policy has not changed,” determined Roura today.
“We remain respectful of referees, but everything has a point. There are clear and specific circumstances. No-one is a fool and nor are we.
“Depending on what happens, it is important to speak and we have been clear. We should not compare things. There are specific issues, concrete, and I think that we have been very clear.
“Freixa has explained perfectly the position of the club. We agree with the policy because it is an important issue, a written rule. Freixa explained it perfectly and we agree.”
Ahead of the game against Mallorca this weekend, the team can welcome back Pedro Rodriguez and Adriano, with the Brazilian back ahead of schedule.
“I think we should not generalise. Each case is different, you can shorten recoveries when you can.
“If Adriano is back sooner it is because his performance is good. In any case, it is important that people understand this.
“The feelings and the decisions of the medical staff are what matter. We do not force. You cannot generalise.
“Adriano has been with the group and after training we will see how he is for Saturday. As for Abidal, he is another option, another member and Tito will decide what we do.
“Messi? In principle, what we had imagined has been revealed, that it is not so important, but it’s hard to tell.
“We must see between now and Wednesday how he is. For tomorrow’s game, of course, he is absent.”
Roura was asked if there will be changes made with Paris Saint-Germain in midweek in mind.
“Clearly we have to try and find the balance. I’ve always said, and this is no exception, that the League is very important to us.
“We have to be fully focused on the game tomorrow and we will evaluate what are the best options available.
“The game with Mallorca will be difficult because they are fighting for survival. Their games are life or death.
“We have to be at 100 per cent, if we are not strong, the game will be complicated.”
