Barcelona manager Guardiola has stated that he’s not throwing in the towel concerning La Liga and won’t give up the fight for the title. He said: “People should know that I am convinced that we’ll be competing right up to the end. After, whether we win or not I can’t control that”.
There are still 63 points on the table and Guardiola and his men will fight for each and every one of them.
La Liga is number one priority
Right from the outset as FC Barcelona’s first team coach, Pep Guardiola has always stated that the La Liga is the most important competition for him. Last Saturday, he emphasized this once more: “It’s our bread and butter, and it’s what keeps you in good shape for the other competitions”. That’s why he saw this weekend’s clash against Betis at the Camp Nou, which ended in a 4-2 win for Barca, as important preparation for La Copa del Rey duel against Real Madrid on Wednesday. But whatever happens Wednesday’s quarter final Cup tie, Guardiola is determined not to be distracted from the Spanish La Liga title stating: “There’ll be no time to feel sorry for ourselves. If we don’t react well we‘ll find ourselves out of the race for the League”.
Barcelona’s youth policy
Pressure on the Barça squad is mounting up as Andreu Fontàs and Pedro join David Villa and Ibrahim Afellay on the injury list while Keita is away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Maxwell has completed a move to French club Paris Saint Germain. Guardiola insists however, that he’s not looking to bring in players from outside Barcelona FC: “We’ll stick with these players to the end. It’s not a good idea to look to the transfer market because new players have to settle in and it costs money. The reserve players are the cheapest, most productive and sustainable solution”. Barcelona’s youth strategy has proved effective for Guardiola time and time again.