FC Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernández on the Clásico

Robert Fernández has cast his eye over the latest events at Barça just 48 hours ahead of the Clásico. In an interview with radio station Esports Cope he commented: “It’s an important game, but three points. It will be a tough duel.” The first team technical secretary was in agreement with Luis Suárez’s statements from Wednesday: “He hit the nail on the head. Often you can go in as favourite and not come out on top.” In that sense he added that the pressure would come from Madrid because they “have to win” although Barça “want to win as well.”

Asked about the presence of Messi in the Bernabéu, Robert admitted that he did not know if he would play: “The most important thing is for the player to be fit. If he is not, then that’s fine. He will be the one to say so. It’s a good sign that he is training but it is also true that there is a long way to go in the league season and it is not worth taking risks,” explained the former Barça player. He also mentioned how well the team had handled themselves with Argentina number 10 out of action.

Robert Fernández also commented on the situations of certain players:

Alen Halilovic

“We are very happy with him. Things are going well for him, he is playing and growing. What we want is for him to play and be happy.”

“Our intention is for him to return to Barça. If he doesn’t now then it will be later. We want to him to come back in the summer when we will evaluate the situation.”

Neymar Jr

“The Neymar case is easy to resolve. I would be worried if the player or his father were to say they were not happy in Barcelona.”

Adriano Correia

“If he continues or not is a decision that he will take before 15 March.”