Barca boss unfazed by critics

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino sent a defiant message to his critics as they turned up the heat ahead of his side’s latest Champions League outing.

Martino is coming under increasing pressure over Barca’s perceived poor form and fielded a host of probing questions as he met media to preview tonight’s visit of Manchester City.

The Spanish champions were beaten 1-0 by relegation battlers Valladolid last weekend to slip to third in the Primera Division, four points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Their position seems healthy, especially as they are also through to the Copa del Rey final and will reach the Champions League quarter-finals if they finish off City, having beaten them 2-0 last month.

But that has not stopped speculation over his future at the Nou Camp, where expectations are lofty after three European triumphs in the past eight years.

Martino, who took charge last summer, said: “I always stay strong, especially thinking of everything that lies ahead. I won’t forget about the league, we have a cup final and we can reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

“If I wasn’t upbeat, I would change jobs. This team is brave and is motivated. We have not been consistent enough, but there’s not a problem with motivation or performance.

“Barcelona have good enough players to aspire, every season, to win titles. These players will turn things around.

“They know what’s expected, so I don’t need extra motivation. We did make lots of mistakes against Valladolid but that isn’t normal in this team.”

Martino’s men are firm favourites to move into the last eight, having dominated the first leg against City three weeks ago, winning 2-0 with goals from a Lionel Messi penalty — after the Argentina star was felled by compatriot Martin Demichelis, who was sent off — and Dani Alves.

Martino knows his side hold a strong advantage but will not take anything for granted against a City side reeling after a shock FA Cup loss to Wigan.

He said: “We played a very good match against Manchester City. I don’t see why we can’t do the same and I am sure we will play well. We have to separate the league from the Champions League and we are at an advantage. But I think the way we could risk the result is thinking that we won 2-0 over there. The best thing is to think it’s still 0-0 to try to win the match.”