FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.08.2009 13:25

Maxwell: "We can make a good start in the Super Cup"

Anna Segura

Maxwell believes that FC Barcelona will be full prepared when they take to the field in San Mamés for the first official game of the new term after having an impressive pre-season.

The Blaugrana face Athletic Club de Bilbao in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday and the Brazilian full-back thinks that the club's time in England and the United States has meant that they will be ready for the encounter. Maxwell is hopeful that he can help Pep Guardiola's side to start the season with a trophy in only his first weeks since moving to Camp Nou from Inter to provide Éric Abidal with competition on the left of the back four.

Preparing well

"We are having a very positive pre-season, very good indeed," he said in a press conference on Wednesday. "With the spirit within the squad and the experience of the players we can make a good start in the Super Cup.”

Adaptation

After joining Barça from Inter, Maxwell admits that things are even better than he thought that they would be. "I was surprised by the organisation of the club and the quality of the training," he continued. "What is also impressive is the speed with which the team plays." He then compared the Spanish league that he is set to play in with Serie A. "They are different leagues with different demands," he said. "Here the game is more about having possession of the ball, the speed of play and the technique."

Main objective

"My main goal here is to maintain the balance on the pitch," he stated. "For me the defensive side of things is very important and the offensive part is more intuitive and about creativity. But the coach will decide who plays. The two of us are part of the squad and the most important things is to be ready when the team needs us."

Return of Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic trained with the squad for the entire session for the first time on Wednesday and Maxwell was pleased to see him back. "He is doing what he does best and little-by-little he will rediscover his best form," he explained.

"He is very strong and with Ibrahimovic's quality he will improve the team and raise the level of play. There will be a lot of pressure on him, but he has the quality to do great things."