‘Barca tough even without Messi’

Real Zaragoza Coach Manolo Jimenez has insisted that Barcelona will still be extremely tough, even without Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta.

The attacking duo have been omitted from the Blaugrana squad for tomorrow's match – as has Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

But the Blanquillos boss has claimed that the Catalan club will still be a difficult proposition.

“Barca have many players that can win any game,” he told a Press conference. “Iniesta is a spectacular player, but if he doesn't play, then Thiago does.

“You've also got someone like Cesc. There are many more players I could name.

“But this game is one like any other.

“I said in pre-season that I didn't want us to be in a relegation fight, but we're in it now. We have to win this game.

“We are to blame for the situation we find ourselves in and we have to have the character to earn as many points as possible to avoid relegation.”

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La Liga - Club News