Barcelona schemer Lionel Messi
believes El Clasico is unlike any other game in the world, as he
prepares himself for Saturday's mouth watering derby with Real
Madrid
With both clubs still in with a fighting chance of usurping
surprise league leaders Sevilla, an added importance will be placed
on a contest that could not be more evenly poised.
Neither reigning champions Barcelona or a Madrid side in transition
have scaled the heights to which they are capable this season, but
with points so important at this stage of the campaign, it will be
a fraught atmosphere which ensues at Camp Nou.
"I always place more importance on winning than on the fear of
defeat," Messi revealed.
"During the week leading up to El Clasico, people are desperate to
find out who'll be starting the big match.
"People really want to know that! If I walk around Barcelona,
people tell me to win the match.
"You're left in no doubt that people everywhere are paying
attention to every move we make. It makes me feel good, knowing so
many people are encouraging youÂ… and loving you.
"I don't hate Real Madrid. That's not my style. I just love
Barcelona."
While Messi will be concentrating his efforts solely on El Clasico
at the weekend, he does concede that on occasion he is partial to
watching the Premiership.
An admirer of the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and
Liverpool, Messi believes there are several English players who
could make an impression in Spain.
"I like English football very much because it has rhythm," he
concluded.
"Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool matches are
usually a sight for sore eyes. Any of their players could play very
well in Spanish football.
"Good examples are Gary Neville, Theo Walcott, Frank Lampard and
Wayne Rooney. I like Joe Cole's style of play a lot
too."