Barcelona vs Granada preview - Resino relishing Barca trip

Posted Tuesday, March 20, 2012 by PA

Granada may face a daunting trip to reigning Primera Division champions Barcelona on Tuesday night, but coach Abel Resino still wants his players to enjoy the occasion.

Barca have won their last five league matches to move eight points behind leaders Real Madrid in the standings.

Granada ended a run of three defeats with a 2-1 victory over Sporting Gijon at the weekend, and although Resino is full of admiration for their opponents, he is hopeful of springing a surprise.

"The players must be a source of pride in defending this club and this shirt," he said in a press conference.

"We have to play the best football in the world against the best team in the world, and that's something we should enjoy.

"We are aware of Barcelona's potential and will only be able to match it if we defend very well, play as a team and keep the ball away from them as long as possible.

"Against Barcelona, any result other than a defeat is good. It will be difficult but not impossible."

Barca coach Pep Guardiola has suggested in recent days his side will not be able to catch Madrid in the title race, although the capital club's 1-1 draw with Malaga on Sunday may have raised hopes once more.

However, Resino believes Barca do not need to look elsewhere for encouragement.

"Barcelona do not need much motivation because they are the best team in the world with the best players," he said. "Pep Guardiola has done an extraordinary job there.

"That said, I think Real Madrid will win the title because they are also very strong."

Resino will be without suspended midfielder Carlos Martins, while Jaime Romero, Fran Rico, Pape Diakhate, Roberto and Hassan Yebda are all injured.

Guardiola has called Marc Muniesa and Cristian Tello into his squad as cover, with Ibrahim Afellay close to a return from a knee injury but not yet ready.

Eric Abidal, who is due to have a liver transplant, did light training with the squad on Monday but will not be considered for the match.