Vilanova ‘worried’ by threat posed by SPL side

BARCELONA coach Tito Vilanova is worried his makeshift defence will struggle against Celtic’s pace and aerial power in tonight’s Champions League clash at the Nou Camp.

Barca have not lost a game in La Liga or the Champions League this season and sit top of Group G with maximum points after two games. However, at the pre-match press conference at Barca’s famous old stadium, Vilanova was quizzed repeatedly about the defensive crisis he has on his hands with Gerard Pique joining Dani Alves, Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal on the sidelines, while midfielder Sergio Busquets is suspended.

After conceding four goals in a 5-4 win over Deportivo La Coruna at the weekend, Javier Mascherano, originally a midfielder by trade, is set to play in a makeshift defence again. Vilanova tried to play down the significance of his injuries but admitted concerns about the Scottish champions, especially in light of their 3-2 win over Spartak Moscow in Russia earlier in the month.

“Injuries are normally a headache for a coach but we have got what we have got,” he said. “And all the players are at the right level to play for Barcelona. We would like to improve on everything and score more and concede less and we will try to do that. But all Champions League games are complicated and I am worried because Celtic are very fast up front and they proved it against Spartak.

“They play good, counter-attacking football so we know they are dangerous. They are also good in the air and so I am really worried that Celtic tied with Benfica and beat Spartak in Moscow, which was a good thing for them. At the beginning people maybe did not take into account of the possibility of Celtic going through, but with four points from two games and two games at home to go, they have a chance.”

Pedro was also grilled about Barca’s defensive situation but the Spain forward insists Vilanova has the squad to cope. He said: “It is clear we have injuries but Tito is doing very well, adjusting players in defence and getting good performances. It is logical that it might affect us, but we have to get used to it. It is lucky for us that we have a great squad but obviously if we have a fixed defence then it is better for us.

“It is a very important game for us in terms of us wanting to qualify. Celtic will wait for us and try to get us on the break, but if we win it puts us in a great situation.”