FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.02.2010 12:09

Aguirre visits Barça

Jordi Clos

Mexico national team coach Javier Aguirre visited Barça's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Thursday and held talks with Pep Guardiola and compatriots Rafael Márquez and Jonathan Dos Santos.

Three days before the Blaugrana travel to Madrid to take on Atlético one of Los Colchoneros' former trainers dropped in to see how the Catalan outfit were preparing and he spoke to the media about the forthcoming encounter. "I am here to speak to the Mexican players that pep has in his squad," he explained. "This was all arranged a while ago and me and my coaching staff are visiting 12 of our players across Europe."

Márquez and Jonathan

Aguire has closely followed Márquez over the past year as the defender has attempted to remain fit. "He has had a difficult time because of injuries," the coach said. "Now he is in good form and is just like the player I knew 15 years ago." On Dos Santos the Mexico boss continued: "his dynamism and focus is noticeable. It is great for him at 18 to be here. I believe he has a great future ahead of him at this club."

Clash of styles

Looking ahead to Barça's game against Atlético on Sunday Aguirre stated: "they are always open matches with a lot of goals. Historically it is a game between two football philosophies." On the Blaugrana's injury woes he added: "Us coaches have the ability to change things quickly and seek solutions."