Barca, Roura talk up Milan´s chances

19 February 2013 23:59

Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura has dismissed suggestions his team are favourites in their Champions League tie against AC Milan.

The La Liga leaders take on the Serie A giants in the first leg of the round-of-16 tie at the San Siro on Wednesday.

Despite losing just once in the league this season and with one of the most formidable and proven squads in the world at his disposal, Roura was unwilling to accept the favourites' tag.

"Are Barcelona favourites? You know the way I see it," the 45-year-old told reporters.

"Milan are a great team and it is not easy to play against them. The qualification will be decided in Barcelona. You cannot talk about favourites in a tie like this.

"In recent games we have been conceding goals, but fortunately we always scored a few more. We have tried to resolve certain situations in defence, as you can't always fight back to win.

"Everyone wants to get through to the quarter-finals, but we know it won't be easy. The Champions League is missed by Barcelona and the players are happier when they can face big clubs."

After a slow start to the campaign, Massimiliano Allegri's men have recovered to sit fourth in the league on the back of a six-match unbeaten run.

Roura was full of praise for the seven-time European champions and said they were always a 'frightening' proposition.

"We studied the team, though it is different to last year," Roura said.

"It is always wonderful to come here, as San Siro is a marvellous stadium. Milan remain one of the big European clubs and it is always frightening to face them."