Sergi Roberto: A lack of freshness? The players are not machines Champions League - Barcelona 4-1 Roma Happy with the win

After Barcelona had dispatched Roma 4-1 in their Champions League quarterfinal first leg tie, Sergi Roberto took issue with reporters who had questioned him about the Blaugrana's lack of freshness.

Still alive in every competition at the business end of the season, it's little wonder that the Catalans are beginning to feel the pace.

"We have accumulated a lot of matches," he said in the mixed zone.

"And we are not machines, this team has to give 100 per cent."

Asked whether he preferred to play right-back or back in midfield as he was against the Italians, his answer was unequivocal.

"I want to play in the midfield it's where I've always played," he continued.

"Although now I'm getting used to the right-back position."

Though they're now one of the favourites for the competition, Roberto dismissed the notion of an El Clasico final.

"First we have to get to the semifinals," he noted.

"Neither they nor we have qualified and ours wasn't an easy match.

"There are 90 minutes left and we can't relax."