FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.12.2009 20:49

Maxwell: "The most important thing is getting ready"

Neus Pérez

Maxwell has come back to train with the rest of the squad even though the club had allowed him to be away until 2 January. The Brazilian stressed the need to get ready for forthcoming games.

Barça are back training after a few days’ holiday, and Maxwell chose to rejoin the squad this Tuesday despite having more time off. "I’m back early because training is really important, getting back into shape and being ready for our upcoming fixtures,” he said. “We’ve got a bunch of tough games ahead of us."

Necessary rest

After the most successful year in Barça’s history, the players have enjoyed a well-deserved holiday. "Physical and mental rest is also part of training,” said Maxwell. “Plus it’s also important to be with your family at Christmas.”

Need for points

Villarreal are Barça’s first opponents in 2010. “They have technically excellent, quality players,” pointed out the Brazilian. “We have to play as well as we can and pick up the points. We know that at Camp Nou with the fans behind us we’re a lot stronger."

Lot at stake

Barça’s first team has won all the silverware on offer in 2009 but that doesn’t mean Guardiola’s men are resting on their laurels. “We have to work hard all the time and try to get better,” said Maxwell. “There’s a lot at stake, we’re only halfway through the season and we have to work even more.”