Barcelona technical director Robert Fernandez said after the ‘tough’ game against Athletic Bilbao that Marc Bartra won’t leave.
The Catalans took a 2-1 win from San Mames in the Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg, Munir El Haddadi and Neymar scoring before a Dani Alves error allowed Aritz Aduriz to pull one back.
“What happened [with Alves] is part of football. There are risks to take and we don’t put any more importance on it than that,” Robert told reporters, according to AS.
“The tie wasn’t over at 2-0 nor 2-1. It will be difficult. This was a tough game. Athletic are always very difficult.
“In the first game of a knockout tie its always important to leave with a good result but there have been complicated moments. We leave happy.
“Barca played a great game, with control and the players worked well together. We defended well, and [Marc-Andre] Ter Stegen has also been very good.
“It was a difficult game too because we were without [Lionel] Messi and [Luis] Suarez. We came from a game against Athletic and had to see how they would respond.
“It should be noted that its very important to win away from home. I wouldn’t emphasise anyone above the team. To win at San Mames everyone has to be very good.”
Robert was asked about the possible exits of two Barca players this month, right-back Douglas and central defender Bartra.
“We’re not going to let Bartra go, that’s for sure,” he replied.
“Douglas? We’ll see if there’s something that benefits the player and the club. We want him to play.”
