Guardiola: “We always find it hard to beat Sporting”

In the customary pre-match press conference, FC Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged that despite Sporting Gijon’s current form, he was wary of the team, which has always caused problems for his side. Guardiola added he doesn’t underestimate the Asturian team and has a lot of respect for the fans at El Molinón. Also, asked about the spate of injuries that has hit the club recently, Guardiola downplayed the concerns. “I am worried about particular things, but not the recent succession of muscle injuries,” he said. ”There are always injuries in football and there always will be.”

While Guardiola’s first time facing Preciado’s team as manager was memorable (Barcelona defeated Gijon 6-1), since then Barca has really toiled to overcome the opposition’s strong defence. “It is one of the games we have found the hardest and the scores have always been close,” he said. ”We always find it hard to beat Sporting because they defend very well and have an intense ground where the fans help them a lot. But we even find it hard to beat them when we’re at home.” Adding to that Barcelona’s less-than-impressive away form, Guardiola has a lot to ponder about.
When questioned on whether Preciado would be dismissed if Gijon’s bad start to the season continued, Guardiola stood by the coach and praised the work that he has put in building the team. “They won’t sack him,” he said. “If anybody has done things for that team, it’s him. He’s saved them every year and they’ve been in some very difficult situations. He always pulls it off and this year will be no exception.”
Returning to the topic of Cesc Fabregas, , who like Ibrahim Afellay suffered the injury during training, Guardiola noted that losing any player due to injury always hinders the plans of the team but injuries in itself are an inseperable part of of football. He gave details on how Cesc suffered the injury. “He was going in for a cross and overstretched himself, he scored the goal but got hurt,” said Guardiola. ”But luckily it’s not too serious and he’ll be back once the international break is over.” He added that Cesc had so far taken special care of himself and worked hard on injury prevention, but then injuries can never be ruled out. Guardiola also believes that it isn’t that the club has had more injuries so far this year when compared to the same time around last year.
Delivering some good news, Guardiola noted that Carles Puyol was back with the team after a knock in Minsk. With regards to Sanchez’ going to Chile to recover from his injury, Guardiola said that the player’s presence there didn’t mean that he was all clear to play with the national team during the international break. “At first it was important for him to be here, but at the current stage of his recovery he can go to be with his family and one of the club’s physios is travelling with him,” said Guardiola. ”He has permission to go to Chile but not to play for the national team.” (fcbarcelona.cat)