Barcelona VP praises manager, squad ahead of Inter clash – ‘Players, Hansi the architects of this joy’ | OneFootball

Rafa Yuste, FC Barcelona’s sporting vice-president, addressed the media outside the Via Veneto restaurant ahead of the official directors’ luncheon before tonight’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter Milan.

In attendance were Yuste himself, club president Joan Laporta, board member in charge of women’s football Xavi Puig, along with Inter president Giuseppe Marotta and vice-president Javier Zanetti.

Rafa Yuste confident of Barcelona’s chances

When asked about the possibility of reaching the final, Yuste was unequivocal in his reply, saying:

“That’s what we all want. But to go through to the final we have to play today, which is a very difficult game, so I’m focused on tonight’s game. We have to show that we want to play in the final.

“The players and Hansi are the architects of this joy coming back to the club and the fans. Hopefully, we can give the club some more joy.”

Yuste also emphasised that the current season has been amazing so far, while acknowledging that the most crucial part remains ahead. He noted the squad’s determination to win more titles.

“It seems like a dream, but sometimes they come true. I always dream that Barça can win everything and we are currently on this path and we have the chance to win the European Cup and La Liga. I want to keep my feet on the ground, we have to take it step by step,” said Yuste.

Dreaming of the treble. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

“The other day I was talking about it with Deco. I have the feeling that the team is at 100% and the team is excited. Lamine and other players have never played in the Champions League semi-finals and they are really looking forward to it.”

The Barcelona executive highlighted the vital role of fan support at Montjuic tonight, saying

“If the legs don’t make it, the badge will, as Cubarsi said. I’m sure that the fans’ hearts will also be there to take us to the final in Munich.”

Yuste also expressed his respect for Inter, recognising the quality and strength of the Italian side, as he said:

“Inter are a very tough team, who have great players. It’s a team that if they are in the top four it’s because they deserve it. I have a lot of respect for the team and their fans.”

Finally, he dismissed the notion that tonight’s match alone would determine the outcome of the tie, citing the quarter-final vs Borussia Dortmund as an example.

“We played a great game here and there the tie became complicated. We have to focus on today’s game, which is the one we’re interested in,” concluded Yuste.

Source: Mundo Deportivo