FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.12.2008 13:51

Hleb: “Everyone knows Henry is a fantastic player”

Roger Bogunyà

Alexander Hleb was full of praise for Thierry Henry after the French forward netted an impressive hat-trick against Valencia on Saturday evening in a game that saw both former Arsenal players start.

The Belorusian described his team-mate as “a fantastic player” and believes that “to score three goals is a big thing for him and the team”. Hleb believes that “playing in the middle is easier for him, despite the good work that he also does out on the wing”.

Adapting well

After joining the club in the summer, Hleb believes that he is adapting to life all the time. “Every day I am feeling better and better, more settled,” he said. “It is very important for me to be able to speak Spanish well. I think that soon I will feel completely integrated.”

On the team’s style of play, he explained that “it is very different to Arsenal, but I am slowly understanding it and soon I think I will be playing my best football again here.”

“We can beat Madrid”

The press conference on Sunday quickly focussed on the visit of Real Madrid next weekend and Hleb was optimistic about Barcelona’s chances of picking up all three points in el Clásico. “Everyone wants to play against Barça and win, above all Madrid,” he continued. “It will be a special game, which is traditionally difficult because of the rivalry. We intend to win and I think that we will do.”