07.09.2010 14:01

Maxwell full of confidence

Jesús Carrillo

Maxwell spoke to the media this lunchtime and declared himself: “very happy with how things are going”, both for himself and the team, “the more I play the more confidence I have”.

With the majority away on international duty, Maxwell is one of the few first team squad players who trained on Tuesday, but he was upbeat about his own and the team’s start to the season: “I’m very confident and motivated. I’m very satisfied with the way the team is functioning so far this season”.

Versatility

Maxwell’s versatility has been key to the team and he explained: “I always follow the tactics that the boss sets out and try to be of use to the team, keeping possession and position, which we work on everyday. It’s true I prefer playing at full back, but the important thing is to play, whatever the position”.

World Player of the Year

With the debate as to who should be this year’s World Player of the Year very much a hot topic at the Nou Camp, Maxwell was diplomatic when asked for his favourite: “Messi, Xavi and Iniesta have been the best this year. I’ll just say I hope a Barca player wins”.

Pep’s praise

Josep Guardiola has declared Maxwell one of the club’s most useful signings over the last few years and the Brazilian claimed: “that just motivates me more. To have the boss saying these things about my work means a lot to me and I’m very grateful”.

Ibra and Raiola

Maxwell was also quizzed about his good friend Ibra’s departure and revealed: “Zlatan always behaved like a professional and I wish him well at Milan”, though he also admitted “I was surprised at some of the things he said, but it’s hard for me to comment – he’s a good friend and our families are very close. Our friendship will continue, but at a distance

“When you come into a new team, you have to adapt and if somebody else plays in your position, you have to accept that as part of the game”.

Mino Raiola is both Maxwell and Ibra’s agent and the Brazilian insisted: “I have worked for 10 years with him and I have never had the slightest problem. It has been, and still is, an honest, professional relationship which has been of great help to me over the years”.