Víctor Valdés knows that his saves have made him a fundamental component of the team even though the goal conceded against Getafe broke a run of five clean sheets.
On the day that handball star David Barrufet announced that he would be retiring at the end of the
season, Víctor Valdés spoke to reporters after training. Valdés has a good few years to go to match
Barrufet’s achievements but day by day he is demonstrating just why he is the undisputed king
of the Barça goal.
In form
Víctor Valdés doesn’t like talking about himself and usually
deflects all the praise in the direction of his team-mates. However, this Monday he told reporters.
“I’m happy with my current form”.
Zamora trophy for the squad
Despite conceding a goal against Getafe, Valdés still has the best record in La Liga and is
leading the fight for the Zamora trophy. Barça have conceded just 11 goals in 21 matches and
according to Valdés: “We work really well in defence. From the first forward to the
goalkeeper. It’s a system we work on a lot”.
The defence against Atletico
Josep Guardiola will be without Alves (injured), Piqué and Márquez
(suspended) for next Sunday’s match against Atletico and so will have to improvise a new
defensive line-up. Valdés admitted today: “These are important absences but the men who play
will do a good job. I have no doubt”.
Playing and winning
Víctor Valdés dismissed all talk of alleged favouritism from the referees: “These are
factors outside of sport. We dedicate ourselves to training and on Sunday we’ll try and
produce a good performance and take the three points”.
No time to relax
In the Getafe match, Barça had to play with just ten men from the 25th minute. The team
showed courage and ended up beating Michel’s team 2-1. According to Valdés: “Intensity
is one of the key elements. The secret is that the coaching staff don’t allow us to
relax”.
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Barrufet a reference point
Víctor Valdés also referred to handball goalkeeper David Barrufet, who today announced that he
would be retiring at the end of the season: “You have to recognize everything’s he done
for the Club. He’s a reference point and his career will be very difficult to equal”.