Tito Vilanova: “In principle, Messi will be okay” for the FC Barcelona vs Celta de Vigo game

Barcelona (FCB).- Leo Messi was given permission by FC Barcelona to miss this morning’s training, as his first son was about to be born. However Tito Vilanova explained to this lunchtime’s press conference: “in principal he will be okay for the game. It’s no big deal that he misses one day’s training”.

“We have to be on top form”

Tito Vilanova also referred to this weekend’s rival Celta de Vigo, who currently sit in 13^th spot at the Spanish League: “they like to hold onto the ball for a long time and start their moves from the back. We need to steal the ball deep if we want to stop them making us run. Celta will try and play football and we will have to be on top form to beat them.” FC Barcelona’s Manager also admitted he had “some good memories” from his time as a player with Celta de Vigo: “they always treated me really well”.

Piqué back soon

Vilanova also revealed that Gerard Piqué, who has been out for a month, is getting closer to making his reappearance: “he’s had two days of hard training and it’s just a matter of a few days before he is back working with the rest of us. It’s important that we start to get players back in his position, especially with Carles Puyol also out”. Finally Barça’s Manager expressed his satisfaction with Alexis Sánchez, claiming: “he always does what I ask of him”.