FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.07.2007 21:48

Jorquera keeping his head up

David Puig

Albert Jorquera is relishing the start of the season and is keen to prove that he can be relied upon, once again, to step up to the highest level and perform. The goalkeeper has also been impressed with the level of play that the team has shown.

The 28-year-old custodian understands that his chances of dislodging Víctor Valdés from the number one spot are difficult, but is determined to ensure that the competition for a place in Frank Rijkaard's side is strong. "I will not let my head drop and resign myself to anything," he said. "I will always work hard like the coaches demand and, although I am realistic and have to believe that, from the start, things will be equal."

Laporta and Giuly

Club president, Joan Laporta, and Ludovic Giuly, who has now joined AS Roma, both visited the Barça dressing room before training on Monday and Jorquera was pleased to see them. "The visit of hte president is a tradition during pre-season," he explained. "He comes down to welcome the new players and to wish us all luck for the new season. Giuly also came in during his trip to Barcelona to privately say goodbye to us all."

Language barrier

The new signings have been made to feel at home by the squad even if the language barrier still has to be broken down. Jorquera has been particularly impressed by Thierry Henry as he said: "He is a good person, easy going and very receptive person. Despite the language problem, the truth is that he is has tried to talk to all of us."

Henry, Touré Yaya, Éric Abidal and Gaby Milito have all raised the level of competition within the squad and Jorquera believes that there will be no problems. "Last year we said that we lacked competitiveness," he stated. "Now we have a lot of quality players that have lifted us. It is now the job of the coach to choose the players that are in form. Whoever players, I believe that the level will be very high."