FCBARCELONA.CAT

28.09.2009 18:38

“I’m physically fit, now I just need to play”

Edgar Fornós

After getting injured in the preseason, Rafa Márquez is now back to full fitness, but has said “I still need some time on the pitch to get back to the right level and get into the rhythm of competition”.

Centre back Rafa Márquez, who returned for the third league match against Atlético Madrid, was speaking at the press conference before the game with Dynamo. He claims to be back to full fitness.

All five senses against Dynamo

Barça are about to play game two of their Champions League campaign, and the opponents will be Dynamo Kiev, a side Márquez describes as “very difficult, they put a lot of pressure on their opponents. They are top of their league ahead of Shakhtar and are also top of the Champions League group at the moment. We will have to play like we have done until now if we want to get the three points”.

No room for relaxing

Josep Guardiola, according to Márquez, has told the centre backs what they’ll have to do. “What we can’t afford to do is relax in any way and we must always focus hard on the way we are defending. We mustn’t do anything that makes it easy for our opponents”.

Praise for Piqué

Márquez made his debut this season while coming on as a substitute for Gerard Piqué against Atlético. On his team mate, the Mexican said “I am personally surprised at how quickly he has adapted to the team. We all know that he is a top quality player, but it is not easy to come to a new club and do well so soon. He is working very well and I hope things stay that way” he said.