FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.12.2008 14:28

Cáceres: “It’s very important to win in Villarreal”

David Puig

Cáceres has said that the win against Madrid will count for nothing without a further win in Villarreal. The Uruguayan considers Pellegrini’s team to be excellent, and recognises that the potential Champions League opponents are of a very high level.

Although he never pulled on the Villarreal shirt, Sunday’s game will still be special for Martín Cáceres. The Uruguayan defender spent one season at Recreativo Huelva on loan from the club, and was then transferred to Barça without making his debut for Villarreal.

So Cáceres has no idea why El Madrigal has been such a difficult venue for Barça, who have only ever won three of their nine games there. “I don’t know the reasons, as I don’t now the ground well, Villarreal are an excellent team, with great players. Every game is different and we hope to do well on Sunday and get the three points, because otherwise the win over Real Madrid will count for nothing”.

Learning fast

In his press conference, Cáceres explained how he felt about his struggle to hold down a regular place in the Barça line-up. “I am relaxed, as I realise it is very difficult to break into a team when it’s doing so well. I will try to make the most of the time the boss gives me. Guardiola helps me a lot, in general, I am learning a lot in my first season at Barça”.

Cáceres also had words of praise for Leo Messi: “Leo is the most impressive footballer I have seen and also a fine person. The whole team is of high quality and there is a great atmosphere among the squad”.

No rival to fear

The defender has no preferences regarding the Champions League draw and possible opponents. “They are all great teams and if they are in the second round it is for a reason. If we get the most difficult team so much the better. They are all good”.