All media agree that future Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola has asked the club not to sell Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (29). Guardiola especially likes the passing qualities of the player and thinks it would be very difficult to find a valid substitute for Márquez on the current market.
Enrique Nieto, one of the agents of Márquez, said in an interview with Catalan radio station Ona FM that the player wishes to stay (read more here). Nieto met earlier this week with Barcelona sports vice president Marc Ingla and Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain. Catalan sports paper Sport claims that an exit was not even discussed.
It is nevertheless believed that Barcelona could change its mind if a big offer comes in for the Mexican. Márquez has in the last few weeks again been linked with AC Milan (read more here).
And Atlético Madrid manager Javier Aguirre said on Friday in an interview with Mexican sports paper Esto that he would like to transfer Márquez: "It's no secret that I think he's a very interesting player. He's a reference in international football and he can play several positions. Besides being a friend, Rafa is a great player. Every manager would like tio have him in his team, so I'm not an exception."
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3 comments:
If Marquez is going to stay I realy don't see the need to add Caceres? Assuming Marquez is going to start you also just added Pique as a reserve option. Unless this could be a "one and done" year for Marquez and Caceres could/would be a potential successor to that position? The way I see it (assuming Barcelona get Alves,) you will have Alves at the right back, Abidal at the left back and Puyol, Marquez, Pique, Milito as centre backs. Not to mention Toure and Keita playing as your defensive midfielders. Not that I'm opposed to going after Caceres but do Barcelona realy need him? Just because the price may be right doesn't mean you have to burn a hole in your pocket. And remember we still need a left winger, goalkeeper and hopefully an attacking midfielder to add to the squad.
There is two points here:
- Some people say Pique is going to play as (defender) midfielder.
- Milito will be off until Jan-Feb 2009. That makes two-three center backs. However, I believe Caceres is just to pretend and Barça is actually after someone else, because Roig (president of Villareal) said today that none of his players are transferable.
Marquez has 3 good years left. Provided that Barca hires a good physical trainer, players will stay healthy, it is inbelievable how often Barca players break down like old rusty cars. These guys are pro athletes and it is not admissible to have so many injuries. Marquez, Milito, Puyol, Abidal, Silvinho and Pique are just fine. Pique will be a wonderful addition, bring Salcido or someone who is not more than 10mill. Dont try to make another GALACTIC team, good players are all over the planet praying to play for Barca and most of them are less than a million. THINK!
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