The Blaugrana centre back was named to the starting line-up in the match away to Mallorca after missing out on Barça’s last six La Liga games due to injury
Tello and Bartra travel to Madrid
Cristian Tello and Marc Bartra didn’t join their team-mates for the return trip to Barcelona. Both players will travel directly to Madrid to join up with their U21 Spanish national team counterparts.
The team will hold a non-mandatory to training session tomorrow at 11.00 at the Ciutat Esportiva.
Gerard Piqué was named to Barça’s starting XI in the match against Mallorca, thus returning to the team after missing six Liga matches due to the injury he picked up against Spartak Moscow. The centre back noted: “I felt great physically, I was very comfortable on the pitch.” Despite conceding two goals, Piqué said “in general we played well and we were the superior side, even though the opening 15 minutes were difficult.”
“Mallorca’s goals came through isolated plays”
After Mallorca battled back to put 2-3 on the scoreboard, Barça reacted and doubled its lead. The fourth goal “was good for us because we couldn’t be calm being only one goal up.” Piqué also talked about the amount of goals Barça have conceded so far this season: “Seeing that our style of play is based on attacking it’s more difficult to defend, but the goals scored by Mallorca came from two isolated plays.”
Busquets earns fifth yellow card
Sergio Busquets was booked for the fifth time this season in the second half of the match against Mallorca which means that he’ll be suspended for the game against Zaragoza. The midfielder said “it’s always difficult when you can’t help your team, but the most important thing is that we win.” Busquets, whose handball led Mallorca’s second goal, talked about the penalty: “The penalty was unfortunate. Sometimes that happens outside the area, sometimes it’s inside. It was unlucky.”
Finally, the midfielder was asked about Leo Messi’s goalscoring record: “If there is a player that can break all off the scoring records, it’s Messi.”
Here are the statements made by the FC Barcelona players after the match:
Cesc Fàbregas:
“Mallorca scored its goals through isolated plays: a defensive error and a penalty. These things happen.”
“The team’s reaction was positive and we managed to score the fourth goal without letting our nerves get the best of us.”
“We hope none of the players pick up injuries during the international break. These matches aren’t optimal, but we have to be professionals.”
Cristian Tello:
“Mallorca were behind, they had nothing to lose and they took a risk, but we were calm after we scored the fourth goal.”
“I’m very pleased that I was able to play after not featuring in the last couple of matches. I’m thankful for Tito’s confidence in me.”
“I feel very comfortable playing with the first team, I like to play and it’s a pleasure to play alongside these magnificent players.”