In a press conference yesterday, FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, countered the criticisms aimed at his team after their two consecutive draws at Osasuna (1-1) and Rubin Kazan (0-0) by highlighting the virtues of his players: “In many respects, we are a better team than last season,” and promised that he will not change the team’s playing style no matter what.

Commenting on Barcelona’s precarious position in the Champions League, being placed third in Group F standings, Guardiola joked: “We are also in danger of qualifying for the knockout stage, right?” Reminding the press that it is still up to the team to ensure their own survival, he said, “If after the two remaining games we are out, then it is our fault. But if we overcome them, I am sure it will make us stronger. And what is clear is that we will not move an inch from the beaten path (true and tested playing style)”.

Guardiola also insisted that the players had provided “a good image of themselves in every one of the Champions League matches”, by highlighting the team’s possession percentages and goal-scoring chances.

Asked about Barcelona’s meagre goals average away from Camp Nou, having scored just three goals in their last four away matches, Guardiola assured the media: “It will come. What matters is that they create the chances,” while denying the players lack creative spark or speed.

Touching on Ibrahimovic and Messi’s performances, Guardiola said he was “satisfied” with the Swede’s contribution in every match he has played in, while Messi – more subdued than usual in recent games – is still the same player as before.

Guardiola also insisted that he was not even thinking about the second half of the season or about requiring new additions to the team because he has “absolute faith” in his team, acknowledging the pressure faced by Barcelona: “Here, only a win is worth something. If you do not win, Robinho is sure to be on the front-cover of every newspaper”.

Talking about their rival tonight, Guardiola warned about Mallorca goal-scoring prowess, recalling last season’s results (at Camp Nou won 3-1 but lost at Mallorca 2-1), he said, “they are one of the top goal-scoring sides in the league, and in every match we played against them, they cost us a lot”.