FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.12.2007 14:03

Márquez: “Watch out for Guardado”

David Puig

Rafa Márquez has warned about the dangers that Deportivo La Coruña will pose in the air when they visit Camp Nou on Sunday and highlighted the ability of his compatriot, Andrés Guardado.

The Mexican international defender believes that the Galicians will use crosses to try and unsettle the Barça rearguard at the weekend and called on his teammates to be ready. "We will have to be very careful and to be focussed during this game," he explained. "Depor have good players going forward and Guardado can cross very well." Márquez admitted in the press conference after training on Wednesday that he was proud that his fellow countryman was proving to be a hit with the Galicians. "He is essential to his team and is a player with a great future," he continued. "It will be great to play against him. I am also proud because like me, Guardado came from Atlas."

Eto’o is crucial

Márquez is delighted to see Samuel Eto'o be given the green light to return to action as the Cameroonian striker can contribute up front and in defence, he explained. "He is fundamental fo us. He cannot wait to return to playing and can help us a lot. He gives us strength in defence, as he is the first player to close down the opposition and, above all, he is superb going forward."

Bouncing back

After missing five matches with an injury in his right leg, Márquez was pleased to have come through the game against Espanyol last weekend unscathed. "I am not happy with my performance," he said. "The injuries held me back when I was returning to my best. Gradually though I am feeling beter and in the last game I felt great."