Rafa Márquez has warned about the dangers that Deportivo La Coruña will pose in the air when they visit Camp Nou on Sunday and highlighted the ability of his compatriot, Andrés Guardado.
The Mexican international defender believes that the Galicians will use crosses to try and unsettle
the Barça rearguard at the weekend and called on his teammates to be ready. "We will have to be
very careful and to be focussed during this game," he explained. "Depor have good players going
forward and Guardado can cross very well." Márquez admitted in the press conference after training
on Wednesday that he was proud that his fellow countryman was proving to be a hit with the
Galicians. "He is essential to his team and is a player with a great future," he continued. "It
will be great to play against him. I am also proud because like me, Guardado came from Atlas."
Eto’o is crucial
Márquez is delighted to see Samuel Eto'o be given the green
light to return to action as the Cameroonian striker can contribute up front and in defence, he
explained. "He is fundamental fo us. He cannot wait to return to playing and can help us a lot. He
gives us strength in defence, as he is the first player to close down the opposition and, above
all, he is superb going forward."
Bouncing back
After missing five matches with an injury in his right leg, Márquez was pleased to have come
through the game against Espanyol last weekend unscathed. "I am not happy with my performance," he
said. "The injuries held me back when I was returning to my best. Gradually though I am feeling
beter and in the last game I felt great."
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Moving on up
Rafa Márquez's usual position in the centre of defence, but he can move up to play in the defensive
midfield role and with Touré Yaya one game away from suspension and also leaving for the African
Cup of Nations in January, may have to so again. "I am ready, both physically and mentally," the
Mexican explained. "I am not the only player that can play there, however as Edmílsocan also and he
will be back soon."