Pedro intends for Barcelona to beat Milan

By FOX SPORTS Staff

Milan, one of the biggest footballing powers in the world, have a long and illustrious history in the Champions League and have won European football's premier competition an amazing seven times.

While the Rossoneri have not been in the best of form this season, Pedro knows that underestimating Massimiliano Allegri's men would be foolish but claims his side would nonetheless be expecting to emerge victorious at the San Siro.

"We are going to San Siro to win," Pedro was quoted as saying by ESPN.

"We must be attentive in defence, but we will try to get a win. Milan have also been difficult for us - they have many trophies and such a big history.

"They are dangerous as always. We are on a good run and we hope to play a good game there. We want to be in every competition and we are looking to go for everything."  

Pedro also played down the significance of Lionel Messi's angry reaction to Cristian Tello's failure to make a pass in the Blaugrana's narrow 2-1 win over Granada and further emphasised the Argentinian's importance to the team.

"These type of things always happen, to everyone," Pedro mused.

"It happens to him [Messi]; it happens to me. Sometimes I make the wrong decision and get shouted at, but everything stays on the pitch. 

"Messi has a lot of ambition. Each day he is better. We hope he keeps playing like this. 

"He is beating all the records. You cannot even imagine these figures."

Critics have pointed out that Barcelona would not be as successful if Messi should leave the team, but Pedro insists that the Blaugrana have enough quality within their ranks to flourish even without the 25-year-old forward.

"There is total freedom on the pitch," Pedro added 

"Although it is obvious that you always look more towards some players - like Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas or Messi. 

"He always carries the team on his shoulders, and you notice it if he is not there, but the team is very strong. I do not believe there is any 'Messi-dependence'."

Pedro also admitted he was not scoring as many goals this season as he would have liked but declared that he had given nothing but his best for the team so far.

"I feel good on the pitch," Pedro declared. 

"I am doing my work and helping the team.

"Forwards always like to score goals, but the most important thing is that the team does well. 

"You always want to score, but it is difficult. This year I am finding it a bit harder to score, but I am happy as I am getting chances."

Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura will once again take charge of the team from the dugout, with manager Tito Vilanova recovering from his illness in New York.