Adriano: 'We think of Tito every day'

The Barcelona fullback says his teammates are struggling to put the coach's illness behind them, while adding that compatriot Neymar is delighted to be at the club.

Barcelona defender Adriano has stressed that former coach Tito Vilanova is still in the hearts and minds of the entire squad.

The 44-year-old Vilanova was forced to step down from his post last week as he continues his treatment for cancer and while he may be away from the team, he is has not been forgotten by his players.

"We're trying to raise our heads. We tried to do things to put it past us, but it's impossible. We think of Tito every day," Adriano told reporters. "Now the staff are in a climate of uncertainty, we don't know whether they'll stay or go. These are matters for [sporting director Andoni] Zubizarreta and the management."

Adriano's fellow Brazilian Neymar sealed a big-money move to Camp Nou this summer, and Adriano says his compatriot is delighted to be at his new club.

"I had a word with him during his presentation and he is happy. For the last two years, he's been asking me what the atmosphere is like at Barca in the national team," Adriano said. "He had a dream to play at Barcelona, he'll grow here as a person."