BARCELONA, November 15 (R-Sport, Anastasia Pisarevskaya) - Barcelona forward Pedro talks to R-Sport in an exclusive interview about next Tuesday's Champions League clash with Spartak Moscow, delves into how new coach Tito Vilanova differs from the great Pep Guardiola, and gives an unequivocal answer when asked if he would ever don the famous white shirt of Real Madrid.
Playing at Barcelona, you've already won everything there is to win. What motivates you?
"Every day my task is to reach new heights and achieve the maximum possible, both with Barcelona and the national team. We have great players in both teams, and now is the perfect time to prove that once again."
Barcelona haven't been too lucky with Russian teams. Many of us still remember CSKA's 3-2 win over Barcelona at the Camp Nou in 1992, that despite trailing 2-0 at one stage. Then there was the 1-0 home defeat to Rubin Kazan with Alexander Ryazantsev's screamer. And Spartak Moscow nearly stunned Barcelona in October, leading 2-0 until 70 minutes before going down 3-2. Russian clubs seem tricky opponents.
"Spartak are a very good side. Particularly in how well organized they are, the fast counterattacks and the great players who have big potential. I won't hide it, they're dangerous opponents. Especially bearing in mind Spartak still have the chance to go higher in the group, this game won't be easy for us at all."
Does the cold Moscow weather concern you ahead of the match? What about the artificial pitch?
"Yeah, we're not used to playing on artificial pitches, and the sub-zero temperatures will also be a test for us. Theoretically, the weather conditions are an advantage for the opponents, but our job is to adapt to any circumstances and overcome them."
What impressions remain of the first Spartak game? Is there any player you would single out as a particular threat?
"As I've already said, Spartak is a strong and solid team, difficult to break down. Where they excel is the quick counterattack and physically strong forwards. The team are equipped well and dangerous."
It's hard to imagine Barcelona without Real Madrid. Your rivarly is like an unmissable TV series. What does a game against Real mean for you? And could you ever see yourself following in the footsteps of Luis Figo and crossing the great divide?
"Of course not. I will never change my club. I don't even see myself anywhere lese. I'm very happy at Barcelona. Our games against Real are truly special, because they are the strongest and best opponents in Spanish football. In this matches our fight for the lead is reaching a climax. The battle with Real is different from games against any other team in the league."
You have a new coach this year. Is there a big difference between Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova?
"Both Tito and Pep have clear ideas as well as an understanding of footballing concepts which they use in matches. Both are people of distinct character, but their understanding of the philosophy of football and their approach to using that theory in practice is very similar. Sadly I haven't had the chance to speak with Guardiola personally, but we'll see each other again soon."
In your time, you've squeezed great players out of the Barca side, the likes of Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Now you play with Lionel Messi. Who do you consider to be the best forward in modern football and what qualities do you think a great striker should have?
"Every forward is unique. A player's job is not to jump from club to club, but be irreplaceable for your own club in any position, be it in attack or defense. My job in the team is to free up space on the pitch for my teammates, to build moves, to turn certain episodes into goalscoring chances or to get assists for teammates in better positions. These are my responsibilities during the game. Everything I do must benefit the team."
What else do you like to do outside football?
"I love music, a relaxing walk in the fresh air, and cinema. Needless to say, spending time with friends and relative also brings me immense joy."
