The return of manager Tito Villanova will indeed be a major boost for the morale of the Barcelona players as they look to face budding French side Paris Saint Germain away in the 1st leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.
Although it is still uncertain whether the manager will on the bench on Tuesday, he will be travelling with the squad to Paris, returning from New York earlier after undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for his parotid gland tumour. The last time he managed the team was on January 19th in the 3-2 loss against Real Sociedad, and his services has been greatly missed by the players and the fans since then.
Tito is a symbol of hope, courage and determination for all those who see hurdles in their paths towards success, and Barcelona can use this motivation to its advantage against the threatening French. PSG is on a 23 match unbeaten streak at home in Europe, with the last defeat coming in November 2006 against Hapoel Tel-Aviv.
With no Champions League trophies in its cabinet, the French outfit will be eager to make it big this season and perhaps go all the way. Its inspirational striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic poses an open threat to the Spanish defense, and one of the first tasks for Tito after his return would be to devise a plan that could contain the Swede.
Although Barcelona is cruising at the top f the La Liga table, 13 points ahead of Real Madrid and with staggering goal difference of 57, the results in the month of March have been mixed and under Tito, the Catalans will be looking forward to a dominant and trophy filled end to the season. What goes in their favor is that they have won their last 6 Champions League quarter-finals. However, the results against French opposition have been mixed, with three wins, two draws and two losses.
Tito Villanova will be well aware of these stats while preparing his team for this encounter, and the abundance of talent in his squad suggests that the job might end up being a bit easier than when compared to other squads in the competition. However, few people know the importance of hard work and sheer determination than Tito, and his players would do well if they learn from his experiences and apply it on the football field.
Undoubtedly, Barcelona will be relying on its popular fluid style of attractive football, with the likes of Leo Messi and David Villa trying to cause a lot of trouble to the back-line of Silva, Maxwell, Alex and Van der Veil. They will be well supported by Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, names that need no introduction.
Tuesday night is set to stage an absorbing contest in the city of Paris, Barcelona have time and time again reminded the world of their unparalleled quality, and Paris Saint Germain are on the course of doing the same.
Tito is a symbol of hope, courage and determination for all those who see hurdles in their paths towards success, and Barcelona can use this motivation to its advantage against the threatening French. PSG is on a 23 match unbeaten streak at home in Europe, with the last defeat coming in November 2006 against Hapoel Tel-Aviv.
With no Champions League trophies in its cabinet, the French outfit will be eager to make it big this season and perhaps go all the way. Its inspirational striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic poses an open threat to the Spanish defense, and one of the first tasks for Tito after his return would be to devise a plan that could contain the Swede.
Although Barcelona is cruising at the top f the La Liga table, 13 points ahead of Real Madrid and with staggering goal difference of 57, the results in the month of March have been mixed and under Tito, the Catalans will be looking forward to a dominant and trophy filled end to the season. What goes in their favor is that they have won their last 6 Champions League quarter-finals. However, the results against French opposition have been mixed, with three wins, two draws and two losses.
Tito Villanova will be well aware of these stats while preparing his team for this encounter, and the abundance of talent in his squad suggests that the job might end up being a bit easier than when compared to other squads in the competition. However, few people know the importance of hard work and sheer determination than Tito, and his players would do well if they learn from his experiences and apply it on the football field.
Undoubtedly, Barcelona will be relying on its popular fluid style of attractive football, with the likes of Leo Messi and David Villa trying to cause a lot of trouble to the back-line of Silva, Maxwell, Alex and Van der Veil. They will be well supported by Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, names that need no introduction.
Tuesday night is set to stage an absorbing contest in the city of Paris, Barcelona have time and time again reminded the world of their unparalleled quality, and Paris Saint Germain are on the course of doing the same.
