Tito Vilanova: "I want to thank the fans for coming to the game"

Tito Vilanova / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
The FC Barcelona manager thanks the fans for cheering the team on against Alavés: “it wasn’t an easy day to come to the Camp Nou. These games are never easy.”

“Carles Planas is a quality player and he can play for the first team without any problems,” says the manager

Tito Vilanova started his post-match press conference this Wednesday by admitting that Alavés’ approach to the match wasn’t what he expected: “At first they surprised us by how they played. We had to make a few adjustments in the first half. Alavés’ tactical change forced me to use Thiago in a position he’s not used to, but he played at a very high level.”

The FC Barcelona manager thanked the public for coming to the Camp Nou: “Despite what people may think, these matches are never easy especially when the match is on a day that isn’t too helpful. I want to thank all the fans that came to the Camp Nou tonight.”

Satisfied with Villa’s performance

“Villa scored two goals and he was able to play the entire 90 minutes. He’s doing better each day. We’re all very pleased with him. His injury was very complicated and he worked hard throughout the summer. He’s a player that can score and it’s important to us that he’s part of the team,” explained Vilanova. On the forward’s free kick goal, the manager said “it’s always good to have players that can take free kicks. They earn you valuable points by year’s end.”

Planas makes his official debut

Carles Planas made his debut this Wednesday for FC Barcelona’s senior side, making him the first debutant under Vilanova: “He’s having a great season with Barça B. He’s a quality player and he can play for the first team without any problems. With Adriano and Alba on the team it won’t be easy, but he did a good job this Wednesday.”

On Deulofeu, another youngster from the reserve side, the Blaugrana manager said that “not all footballers can break into the first team at 17 or 18. We have to continue demanding things from him. He has a lot of talent but he also needs to improve.”

Song is adapting

Lastly, the manager talked about Alex Song: “He’s played very good games for us. He’s a player that understands our tactical system. We’ve tried to teach him to play in two different positions and maybe that’s confused things a bit. We’ll try to make him focus on the holding midfielder position but he’ll also learn how to play as a fullback. He’s very able and willing.”