FCBARCELONA.CAT

18.07.2008 12:45

Cáceres to play alongside his idols

Roger Bogunyà

Martín Cáceres has admitted that he always used players such as Rafa Márquez, Gaby Milito and Carles Puyol as role models and cannot believe that he will now be training and playing alongside them for FC Barcelona.

The Uruguayan central defender told a press conference that the team "the team is being strengthened in defence more than in attack", but he is ready for the competition for places. "I know that it is a complicated position, but I can contribute things and I want to win a place in the side and play," he stated.

Guardiola’s plans

Looking back over his first week's training with the Blaugrana, Cáceres explained: "I think that the physical work is quite good. We have to continue training like this."

Pep Guardiola has only had a few days to begin to put his ideas to the players across, but one of those is that the players should eat breakfast and lunch together, something that Cáceres has already experienced at international level. "It allows the players and coaches to talk more and to know each other better."

Positional sense

Cáceres can play across the back four and has played at left-back and right-back before moving to Spain and as a central defender during his time with Recreativo last season. He does not know where he will play for Barcelona next season. "Guardiola has not said anything to me about that yet," he revealed.

Ins and outs

After stating that he believes that FC Barcelona have bought well in the transfer market this summer, Cáceres stated that he was pleased that Ronaldinho was given a warm send-off by the club. "Although I did not play alongside him, I think he has been a good player for the club and am pleased he was able out of the front door when he left," he added.