FCBARCELONA.CAT

22.07.2009 14:23

Valdés: “I’m the one who demands the most”

Roger Bogunyà

Víctor Valdés knows what defending the Barça goal means. But he doesn’t think that after signing a new, improved contract that any more will be demanded of him than before. As he says “I’m the one who demands the most”.

On July 7, Víctor Valdés extended his contract with Barça to 2014. But he doesn’t feel that anything has changed: “They won’t be demanding more because of my new contract. I’m the one who demands the most. At Barça they demand the very best. The keeper is happy and grateful about his new conditions, and claims that in the build up to the renewal of his contract, a lot of untrue things were said.

2006, a warning

On more recent issues, Víctor Valdés says he’s excited about the new season. “We have gone through some unrepeatable times and going back to all that is a thrill.” But he knows it is important “not to make the mistake of over-relaxing”, the same message offered on Tuesday by Iniesta. “We have the experience of 2006, when the year after we didn’t win anything. We have to change our habits to make sure the team keeps working enthusiastically” he said.

“An unbeatable atmosphere”

It is time for the players to put the treble behind them. “The past is a beautiful memory, but it’s over. This season we have an important challenge, with six titles at stake, all of which are very important”. Valdés thinks they can be as successful as last year, especially with the Guardiola in charge, a man who “gets across what he wants very well” and is one of the main reasons for the unbeatable atmosphere among the squad”.

Eto'o and Ibrahimovic

Víctor Valdés also spoke about the possible change of centre forward. With Samuel Eto'o, he “has always had a very good relationship” but he also praised Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Cameroonian’s possible substitute: “He has shown his qualities at world level and everybody knows him and what he could do for Barça”.