I keep a very good relationship with him. When you’re a player it’s difficult to understand a decision. It will be good to see him. I saw him in Los Angeles when we played in pre-season. It happened ten years ago and I understand decisions can be difficult when you’re a manager. Our relationship is very good.On Lloris
Hugo is available and if nothing happens before the game he will play.
On the opponent
When you meet teams in a negative dynamic it’s good for them to play in a different competition. Barcelona and teams like them play their best in the Champions League.
On how the team can progress this season
The evolution of the team is there and everyone can appreciate that and see it. To be 100 per cent honest in my answer would be so difficult. We are working hard to keep the level and compete. The ambition of course is to win. However, the reality and the dream are perhaps not in balance today. We can only focus on Barcelona and then see at the end of the season. The circumstances are different this season. Look at the Carabao Cup. We must play on Monday against City and then Wednesday or Thursday and then on Saturday again. That’s why I’ve said it’s the most difficult season for us. All of this makes you more cautious about guessing what is going to happen. For us it’s to try to win every game and see where we are at the end of the season.
On managing Barca one day or not
I’ve been asked this many, many times. Every time I say an answer it can interpreted differently so today I want to be clear. I think it would be impossible for me to manage Barcelona. It is emotional. I am linked to Barcelona through Espanyol. It would be like Messi playing for Espanyol.
On the injuries
It is a period when we are not in good luck with injuries. We have players with different injuries. It’s not a pattern that happens from something specific. We are not victims though. We must feel strong. Every players must feel they can win and achieve what we want.
On the formula to stop Messi
It’s very clear, very simple, we need to be near him when he gets the ball. If we leave him space he will get away from his marker. What we need is to have players helping each other. We need to demand sacrifice and they will expend a lot of energy.