FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.03.2010 14:12

Márquez: “Valencia is a key game”

Jordi Clos

Rafael Márquez is well aware of how tough it will be for FC Barcelona to beat Valencia on Sunday and explained that the team were not even thinking about the Champions League in midweek.

The Mexico international defender is confident that the Blaugrana can overcome Los Che, but thinks that nothing should be taken for granted. “We are now in the run-in and every game is vital, but Valencia are a strong side and we know that they have great players. This is a key game,” he said. “We have to go from game-to-game and continue doing well. It will be difficult but now we have to focus hard.”

On Valencia’s impressive forward line he stated: “They are one of the strongest up front in the league. They have so much quality. If David Villa plays or not, they will still be dangerous. Villa is a great player but with or without him it will not be easy. They have some great players.”

Champions League

After Valencia comes the Champions League and Márquez is well aware of the pitfalls involved. “We have to be very careful,” he continued. “Stuttgart are strong and will be the same as they were in Germany. We have to remember that what happened to Madrid could happen to us. We have to always respect the opposition and continue to work with humility.”

Asked whether he would prefer to win the title or the Champions League, Márquez added: “I prefer them both. We have a chance in both and they should be treated equally.”

Recuperated

“We all need to be at our best for the run-in, me included,” Márquez said. “That way everything will go well. In training we all try to be our best. We have confidence and I hope that we will be back to our best on the pitch soon. I am ambitious and always want to play. I am better now. Playing for my country means long journeys and that has affected me, but now I am recuperated.”