Barca president proud of team despite CL exit

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell sang the praises of the team despite their elimination from the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Lionel Messi missed a penalty as the Catalans let a two-goal lead slip in the second leg against Chelsea to crash out of the competition at the semi-final stage, drawing 2-2 on the night and losing 3-2 on aggregate.

However, Rosell believes that there were plenty of positives to take despite the setback at Camp Nou.

“I am proud not to give up our style of play. Sometimes the ball does not go in, but this is a game and you have to accept defeat,” he said.

“It was a shock but this is football. Congratulations to Chelsea, they have done their job. Most importantly, we are very proud of the players and coaches who have showed remarkable maturity after a bad week. I am proud of the coach and his team.”

The Barcelona executive also laughed off suggestions of a change in playing style at Camp Nou, after a week in which their famed tiki-taka football was not enough to overcome both Chelsea and Real Madrid.

“Today Chelsea’s plan worked, but we will continue with the same style, and not change the way it is taught at La Masia, the way we grow our players,” Rosell said.

“All year, every time we’ve had a setback it’s been unjust in terms of possession, and we always have more chances than not. Sometimes you lose and sometimes win.”

Rosell also reserved special words of praise for the fans, who he felt did the club proud in the aftermath of the match.

“You were with the team and very proud of the team, even when you know it (victory) will not happen. I have not seen our fans so mature and so proud despite defeat,” he said.