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Barcelona vs Real Madrid & 8 hot quotes that could put Messi & co on fire

Angela Asante, January 25 2012,
Barcelona have a great advantage ahead of the second leg of their Copa del Rey tie with Real Madrid. They’ll have home crowd support but could these hot quotes impact their chances negatively?

The clash between Pepe and Messi has added more fire ahead of El Clasico on January 25.

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Related Articles: El Clasico, Pepe, Lionel Messi, Jose Mourinho, Barcelona, Real Madrid
Three-time footballer of the year Lionel Messi is being targeted in a way or another ahead of Wednesday’s huge Clasico a the Camp Nou. What effect will these pre-match quotes have on Messi and the rest of Barcelona’s invincible squad?

1)    Karim Benzema to AS

According to Benzema, the mighty Catalans of Barcelona have a weakness. What is it?

“We have to be much more efficient when trying to score goals from set pieces because I think that is one of the parts of their game which is more fragile. In dog fights, they are not strong, we must seize the opportunity.”

 

2)    Pepe via Real Madrid’s official website

When the word “if” draws angry reaction…

“With regard to the play involving Leo Messi, it was an involuntary act. But even still, if Messi is offended, I apologise as I was only intending on defending my team.”

How many people actually believe Pepe when he says that he didn’t stamp on Lionel Messi’s hand on purpose?

3)    Jose Mourinho to the press

For Barcelona fans out there, here is what Jose Mourinho had to say:

“But he [Pepe] has said it was not intentional and I believe him. If any of you think he is a liar, say it. Let's not make this a never-ending story

“I didn't see you last season doubting a player who made racist remarks and said he didn't. Everyone believed it was true, even Uefa. Now Pepe says it wasn't intentional [and nobody believes him].”

4)    Brazilian legend Pele to Le Monde

“When Messi has scored 1,283 goals and won three World Cups, then we will talk. People ask me all the time when there will be a new Pele. I tell them: 'Never'. My parents shut down the factory.”

Someone apparently thinks that dazzling on almost every Clasico stage is of little importance…                                                                                                               

5)    Ex-Barcelona defender Juliano Belleti to Spor TV   

It is said that Lionel Messi regards Ronaldinho as his master because the Brazilian talisman taught him several tricks during his spell at the Camp Nou. Now, La Pulga has broken more records and is receiving more praise around the world than his fallen hero. However, 2006 Champions League winner Juliano Belleti doesn’t look much impressed about Messi and the current Barcelona team.    

“Ronaldinho had opponents which made his talent even bigger. He played against [Zinedine] Zidane and [Luis] Figo. He gave me many titles. Messi has a lot more help in Barca's current team than Ronaldinho did.

“If I had to choose between Ronaldinho from that time and the current Messi, I would choose Ronaldinho. I give much more credit to the team in which I played.”

6)    Pep Guardiola to the pressCarles Puyol is a Barcelona hero. His goal virtually killed Real Madrid at the Bernabeu last week.

The young manager is perhaps his players’ best motivator. Pique, Busquets and co will be up for the challenge singled out by Guardiola.

“I don't believe we have an edge over Madrid because they will have opportunities to win. It is true that we are playing very well, but in any free-kick, corner or piece of brilliance from Ronaldo they can score.”

7)    Pep Guardiola to the press on Saturday

Carles Puyol scored a “killer goal” in the first leg of this Copa del Rey tie, as Mourinho described it. The World Cup winner keeps making incredible achievements – both individually and collectively. Here is a lovely comment from Coach Pep Guardiola which would motivate the key defender even more:

“He is very important to us, because he has poise, competitiveness and has emerged even stronger from the injury he suffered last year. Puyol, if he is careful, can be here until he is 40 as long as he rests his body.”

8)    Barcelona’s doctor to the press on Saturday:

“You can still see Pepe's stamp marks in the left hand of Messi.”

The Barcelona redeemer could use this scar as a proof against Pepe’s Real Madrid and set the Camp Nou on fire. How does an angry Messi reply to his critics at Barcelona? By stealing the spotlight…


 

Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Date: Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012
Time: 16:00 ( US/Eastern )
Competition: Spain Copa del Rey
Live/Repeat: Live
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona (Barcelona)

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