Tata Martino doesn’t want his Barcelona players believing they are already in the Copa del Rey final after beating Real Sociedad.
Barca took the first-leg of the semi-final 2-0 with a goal from Sergio Busquets and an own goal by Enuat Zubikarai, after the ball struck the goalkeeper from Gorka Elustondo’s attempted clearance.
“I’m always cautious to put us in a place we’re not,” Martino said at his post-match Press conference.
“It’s a good result at home but we have to go to San Sebastian now. There are 90 minutes to come and we have to keep working.”
Martino was also asked about the fitness and performance of Lionel Messi, with the Coach insisting he has no qualms regarding his compatriot.
“I see Messi at 100%. I must clarify that I never make judgements based on whether a player scored or not.
“For me it is important enough to have an impact on the game and today he had chances and at some point will score goals.”
There were a number of contentious decisions in the tie, with Inigo Martinez protesting the decision to award La Real a penalty so vigorously he was shown a second yellow card and sent off for dissent.
Martino was asked if he felt his side should had a penalty given against them for a foul by Javier Mascherano on Carlos Vela.
“I have nothing to say. Vela? From where I see it, it’s a two-player race with Vela there. But I have nothing to say.
“The sending off of the Sociedad player? Who could say if it was deserved?”
Martino also explained why he made few changes to the side that played and lost to Valencia on Saturday.
“I thought the Valencia game was so unusual that sometimes a Coach has to understand there is a group of players who need vindication or to take revenge.
“It wasn’t a normal game and is quite rare for us. If I made changes there couldn’t be too many.
“There were some points in the second-half when we weren’t brilliant.
“But the game was fluid, we have done well from long distance and not made some of the mistakes we usually do.”
