Tito Vilanova: “If Messi were thinking about breaking records he would have asked me to play”

FC Barcelona coach, Tito Vilanova has said today that the knockout phase of the Copa del Rey against Alavés has not been resolved yet despite winning by 3 goals to nil in the first-leg in Mendizorroza. Vilanova will rest seven of his regular players in the starting lineup including Argentine maestro Leo Messi, who will have to wait to beat the record for most goals in a year that still belongs to German legend Gerd Müller.

Tito Vilanova had this to say at a press conference:

“I do not think Messi is playing and thinking of getting this record, but rather to win. The other day he could have scored more goals at the end of the match but preferred instead to let other players who were in better positions to have a shot. If breaking Muller’s record was the only thing on his mind, he would have asked me to play him against Alavés. Messi is just 3 goals away from the German’s record with 6 games still to play not including the match against Alavés.

Anyway, apart from resting Messi and six others of the Barca first eleven, Vilanova believes there are always a few surprises in the Cup and therefore the tie is far from being resolved. “In Mallorca we were 0-3 and everything seemed under control. Then all of a sudden it was 2-3. These things can happen in football and for me, this Cup tie is far from settled,” he said.

As Copa del Rey champions, Tito believes the best way to show respect to Alavés, who are leaders of the Second B division, is by playing as serious as possible. “We have rested the players who have more responsibility, but all the first eleven as well as the B squad are ready. Barça always sends out a good team and the game will be used to see how players like Adriano are doing as well as B team players play in the Camp Nou”, he said.

As well as the Brazilian wingback, Tito will also play David Villa who, although has not yet received a full medical discharge, seems more than ok to play. José Manuel Pinto will be used in place of Victor Valdés in goal as is normal in La Copa del Rey, although this does not imply anything beyond this match.

Also included in the team against Alavés is the very young and talented Deulofeu, who had a very good season last year. To be a regular in the first team, Tito says that he has to improve a lot and there are a lot of players who play in his position. “We have to see how he adapts as he is still a very young player.” said Vilanova.

This is a chance for young Deulofeu to get some minutes on the pitch and prove to the coach that he’s worth picking.