FCBARCELONA.CAT

21.01.2008 14:16

Valdés: “The defensive line is very effective”

Roger Bogunyà

Víctor Valdés, who currently tops the Spanish league ranking for fewest goals conceded, said today that Barça are letting in fewer goals thanks to the good work done by the defence.

Three and a half league matches - 324 minutes – without conceding a goal and a clean sheet in 10 of the 20 matches played so far. Víctor Valdés has an excellent record in the league but the Barça keeper emphasised today that the key to these figures is the good work done by the defensive line.

The explanation

Valdés told us today that his defenders are restricting the number of opposing chances on goal to a minimum: “The team is playing tighter together and defending well against scoring chances. The defensive line is very effective”. And it has to be added that Valdés himself is stopping almost everything that does manage to get through.

However, he also insisted that the result is more important than any individual defensive statistics: “I want to win – I don’t care about the rest”.

Pinto settling in

Valdés also revealed that new keeper José Manuel Pinto is settling in well: “He’s looking good – very integrated and trying to help in everything. He’s got a lot of quality”. As for which of them will play in the Cup, Valdes insisted that was down to Frank Rijkaard.

Henry goal celebration

On Sunday, Henry dedicated his goal to Valdés by imitating his customary action of pulling up his shorts: “I already knew he would celebrate it like that. He’s always joking about that and he’s a great team-mate”. Finishing off with his tongue firmly in his cheek, he told reporters: “I would have preferred him not to score”.

Casillas deserves praise

Valdés also spoke about Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas and described the praise he is receiving from many quarters as “deserved”. Casillas has conceded one more goal so far in the league. Valdés told us: “His performances, and not just this year, are decisive for his team”.