BARCELONA, Iniesta: "It’s our responsibility to give everything to keep this working"

© foto di Daniele Buffa/Image Sport

The Barça midfielder feels the pressure is on to show that Barça are as strong as ever and knows they’ll need to be at their best if they want to win titles

He feels winning the Spanish Supercup would be a boost for morale, but the season doesn’t depend in any way on the outcome on these clashes with Real Madrid

“The manager has changed, but the main responsibility still lies with the players. It’s our responsibility to give everything to keep this working” said Andrés Iniesta in his press conference this morning. He knows the Barça team will need to produce their best football in order to win titles this season, saying that “the key to everything has been finding the right balance and we have all gone in the same direction, not just the players but everybody around us”.

On new manager Tito Vilanova, Iniesta said that “although we’ve been together for a few years, his responsibility isn’t the same any more.” But that doesn’t necessarily mean he will be under extra pressure because “at this club we always demand the very best possible, this year the same as any other. The important thing is for the team to be as hungry as ever”.

Manchester United test ahead of Supercup

Barça play Manchester United this Wednesday in Gothenburg, the fourth match of the preseason. Iniesta agrees with Tito Vilanova that the game with PSG showed why it is preferable to play top class teams in the preseason. “It’s always hard, because it’s the start of the season, but tougher opponents oblige you to put more into your game. Indirectly, it’s better, because you have to get into shape quicker.” The Supercup matches with Real Madrid are just around the corner and “we have to try to be at our very best for those”.

Continuing on the subject of the Supercup matches, Iniesta said “we treat them as very important, although they won’t decide the season … But whoever wins will gain more confidence”.

Villa coming back

David Villa has been named in the squad to travel to Gothenburg and Bucharest, and Iniesta knows that his team-mate is thoroughly looking forward to the trip. “He looks great to me considering he’s been injured for so long” said the Spanish international. “It’s lovely to see him training because he’s such a fundamental player and we hope it won’t be long before he’s back doing what he does best - score goals.”