Two years ago, only a Pedro goal split the sides in Gijón, and last season a late Villa snatched a draw when defeat was looming at El Molinón. These are two good warnings for Sunday’s return to Asturias. Adriano Correia remembered that “we suffered there last year and struggled to win two years ago. It is a key game, because it comes just before the international break”.

Comfortable in any position

Adriano is a versatile player and Josep Guardiola has used him in several different positions. This season, he started at left back to cover for several injuries in defence, and then played on the right of midfield at Mestalla. But “whether we play 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 it makes no difference to me, I can play further back or further forward. We saw that in Valencia”.

5-0 win a confidence boost

The win in Minsk was the first on the road this season, and Adriano feels “winning 5-0 gives us more confidence. We have had some tough away games and have only drawn until now. We created a lot of chances against Real Sociedad but didn’t get goals like we did on Wednesday.” He also added that the team cannot afford to let the intensity drop in any games no matter what the score.

Praise for Messi and Puyol

On his team mate Leo Messi, Adriano Correia agrees that he is the best player in the world. “It is a privilege to play alongside him. There is nobody quite like him today. He is above everyone else.” Adriano is convinced that he will beat Cesar’s record this season and become the highest goalscorer in FC Barcelona history, a feat he is now just 41 shy of achieving.

Adriano ended his press conference with some words for Carles Puyol: “He is a captain who has a lot of force in this team. He motivates us and is a great team mate. He gives us life”.