Barcelona - Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is
confident that despite their transfer ban the team has the
depth to win trophies as they start the new year with a trip
to face Real Sociedad on Sunday hoping to keep the
pressure on La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
The Catalan club will be unable to reinforce their squad in
the following two transfer windows as their appeal against
a FIFA sanction over the transfer of foreign Under-18
players was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport
(CAS), this week.
The decision is likely to cause most concern for Barca's
defence where they have continued to look weak despite
making several signings ahead of the season.
In particular, there is a lack of cover at right back for Dani
Alves who himself has received plenty of criticism for
below par displays.
Still, Barca are only a point off an imperious Real who
have played a game less and take on Valencia this Sunday
looking for their 23rd straight win in official matches.
"It is not even crossing our minds the idea of not winning
anything this season," Iniesta told reporters.
"The squad that we have has sufficient quality to win
trophies and the important thing is to believe in ourselves
and that we can keep improving so as to reach our
maximum.
"I don't know the full legal details (of the CAS verdict) but
having come through the La Masia (Barcelona youth
system) myself, I think that the opportunity that it gives to
youngsters not only on a footballing level but also
personal, is very high.
"We cannot sign now and that is obviously a handicap but
we need to concentrate on this season with the players we
have and look to win."
Iniesta believes that the team is on the right course while
he also has not ruled out the title chances of third-placed
Atletico Madrid, who face Levante on Saturday.
"They (Real) won a lot of trophies last year and they will be
in the fight. All teams go through ups and downs and
while Real are doing well now we are making good
progress," he said.
"Atletico though are the reigning league champions and it
is our job to take the trophy from them. They have done
well for several seasons and we know that they will be
challenging."
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