Valdés ready for “new challenges and expectations”

FC Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdés (29) spoke today in a press conference regarding the preseason and the preparations for the upcoming first leg of the Spanish Supercup final this Sunday against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Victor talked about how the whole squad “has worked hard on fitness” during preseason and the team’s determination  “to go for it (the Supercup).” 

Valdés remarked that “it’s special whoever you play against,” though he couldn’t deny that the Supercup finals being an El Clásico makes it particularly notable. “Finals are finals, and they are decided by little details” he added.  He avoided commenting on whether Real Madrid or Barcelona were better fit for the matches, instead saying his only hope is for “Barça to end up winning it” and that the Supercup “is a vital title for us, it’s the first official trophy of the season and of course we want it.”

“When the preseason starts, you have to turn the page,” said Valdés of beginning the season after a summer of vacations and reflections on the success of last season. “We can’t live from memories. Now is the time for new challenges and expectations.”

Valdés also discussed how the first team’s new signing Chilean forward Alexis Sánchez (22) is adapting. “I sense he wants to learn, he wants to adapt as quickly as possible to our ways. He’s fast, he likes to score, he’s good at the one on one, and is adapting well to things the boss wants from him. He is very good in front of goal, he has innate qualities.” 

Of course, Valdés couldn’t escape commenting on Cesc Fàbregas (24) who’s future as a Barcelona player has dominated the transfer news for a while now.  “He is a great player, with tried and tested abilities. He could bring a lot of quality to our midfield, which is already a quality one. He has loads of talent, he is ideal for our style of play.”