Roura: "Our ambition doesn't stop here"

Jordi Roura and Alex Song / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
The FC Barcelona assistant manager says that qualifying for the semi-finals of the Champions League for the sixth consecutive season “is a very important and extraordinary feat. The people should be proud”

Jordi Roura knows it’s not easy to get to the semi-finals of the Champions League. If you add today’s feat to the team’s five consecutive prior semi-final berths, Barça’s run the Europe becomes even more impressive. The assistant manager declared, “it’s a very important and extraordinary success. I think people should be proud.” Roura went on to say that the team’s objective is to get to the final. “Our ambition doesn’t stop here, we will fight as hard as we can in the semi-finals to reach the final, and win it.”

On today’s match, Tito Vilanova’s assistant commented that “it was very complicated. PSG have a great team. If we weren’t on our game during periods of the match it’s because our rival played well.”

Messi plays vs PSG

Leo Messi’s participation in the match was decided on before the ball starting rolling. “We had thought about it. We knew that he could play a determined amount of time and if the result wasn’t favourable, he would play. He was part of the play leading up to Pedro’s goal this evening and from that point on he let off a bit,” said Roura, who added that “at this point he doesn’t have any physical problems.” Roura went on to congratulate the Argentine for “not losing his hunger for competing. We need to enjoy this once in a lifetime player.”

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In addition to Messi, Roura went on to congratulate all of his players: “Besides Leo, all of the players played at a very high level. When faced with adversity they have the necessary perseverance to carry on and achieve these types of comebacks.”

“Valdés was fantastic”

One of the players that received most of the plaudits from the assistant manager was Víctor Valdés. “He was fantastic. Once again he gave us confidence and strength, especially on set pieces.” Roura also made note of the “courage” displayed by Marc Bartra, who came in for the injured Adriano.

The assistant manager added that “Adriano doesn’t have any problems, his calf muscles cramped up.”

“When faced with adversity these players have the necessary perseverance to carry on and achieve these types of comebacks”