FCBARCELONA.CAT

08.03.2007 14:34

Valdés believes that victory will reinforce the team

Víctor Valdés believes that victory in Saturday’s game against Real Madrid is an opportunity to reinforce the team at every level. The goalkeeper is well aware of the importance of the ‘classic’ for the Barça fans.

Just two days before the Barça-Madrid derby (Saturday 22h La Sexta) Barcelona’s players are started to gear up for the crunch encounter. The FC Barcelona goalkeeper, Víctor Valdés sees the game as an important opportunity: “Whoever wins will be reinforced at all levels - morale will be lifted and vital league points will be gained.” Also, the goalkeeper believes that playing at home is a positive factor”, as it puts pressure on the visitors: “They will be in a pretty bad situation if they loose”.

Madrid on their way

Real Madrid will arrive at the Camp Nou after losing to Bayern Munich and being eliminated from the Champions League. Valdes sees Capello’s team as a different side compared to last year, “they have had some changes with new signings and a change of system”. He also warns that in Barça-Madrid games anything can happen and because of that you always need to be alert”.

The player also believes that the evolution of both teams this season has not been the same. Valdes said “its true that the two teams have been rather inconsistent but we shouldn’t be compared - even though it may seem that both teams are following a similar path. In the league we are ahead of them”.

The other competitions

After elimination in Europe, the FC Barcelona goalkeeper believes the focus must be switched to the competitions that are still up for grabs: “We have to concentrate on the future, for ourselves and for the sake of our fans”.

A united dressing room, inside and out

The goalkeeper does not share the opinion of teammate Eidur Gudjohnsen, who said on Wednesday that sometimes greater sacrifice is necessary. Valdes said that “the team helps each other and there is good camaraderie on and off the pitch”. Also, in reference to the game against Liverpool, Valdes said, “English teams play very physical and intense football”.