Barcelona player Rafael Márquez gave an interview to the club's official media.
How's the recovery from your injury coming along?
I'm feeling good, happy to be back. I'm still not with the rest of the squad, but we're working to get me 100 per cent for the trip to the States.
What was it like at the end of last season to miss out on the big games? It must have really made you angry.
Yes, it certainly did. I felt such impotence at not being able to play in those big games, but at the same time I felt really happy about the fact that my teammates were winning.
Were you surprised at how superior Barca were in the Champions League final?
The truth is we thought it would be tougher. I think the team were mentally prepared to go out and play a simple game and that's what we did. We always had possession and the chances just came as a result of that.
There seems to be plenty of tension in the training sessions, is that what's needed to repeat last year's success?
Yes, that was key to us winning so much last year. Pep is very demanding in training and that's the way forward.
There are a number of players who were in the team that went through the season after Paris. Is that going to be a help?
Yes, I think so and with Pep we know that even though we've won plenty, he's going to be pushing for more. I don't think we'll go through that period of relaxation that happened after Paris.
Touré and Keita will both be away for the African Nations Cup. Do you see yourself fitting in in midfield?
I don't know, that's up to the boss. I just want to keep on playing, I don't mind where.
How do you think Henrique is adapting?
I think that just like any other player it's not easy to fit in at first. The first few months at a new club are not easy, but I think he's got the qualities needed to make a go of it.
And how do you reckon your fellow Mexican Jonathan Dos Santos is settling in?
Well, I'm thrilled that he’s with us. He’s a quality player and it's great to have another Mexican along.
read the full and original interview here
Read more:
Marquez confident about contract renewal
Guardiola about current Barca players
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Marquez: "We're not going to relax after the treble"
Monday, 4 May 2009
Marquez: "We have to reach higher, never stop"
Barcelona player Rafael Márquez answered questions at the official UEFA website.
How far can Barça go? Do you think they will win the UEFA Champions League?
Barcelona are playing great football and they have the quality and potential to win the Champions League. We couldn't beat Chelsea at home but we're confident we can go on from here and take things step by step, all the while respecting our rivals. I won't be able to be a part of things over the upcoming weeks because of the injury I picked up, but we have a great squad and I have complete confidence in my team-mates.
Do you think Barcelona will win the Spanish Cup, Spanish league and the Champions League?
That's what everyone here wants, but we have to take things step by step and never assume a game or competition is won before we've played it.
Was the 4-0 win against Bayern Barça's best performance of the season and, if not, what was?
I always look higher and aspire to better things. There will always be a better game. This is one of the challenges for this Barcelona side: reach higher, never stop at what you've got but aim to do it even better.
97,000 were at the Bayern game in the quarter-finals. What can you hear from the crowd and can the noise from the stands make it hard to hear the other players on the pitch?
You notice it, you feel it – there's no doubt about that. The crowd give you wings. It's gratifying and motivating to have them so close behind the team, as was the case again before the Chelsea game. We're very grateful to our supporters.
Is this Barcelona team better than the one that won the Champions League in 2006? If so, why?
All through history, Barcelona has had great teams who have marked their generation. The Champions League winners of 2006 are one of them. Now it's our turn to try to win titles and leave our own footprint.
Much has been talked about Cristiano Ronaldo being the player of the year, but what about Lionel Messi? Do you think Messi will be the next player of the year?
For us, Messi is the best player in the world. He's a one-off, an incredible footballer, a champion. Hopefully he'll be the next to win the award. His team-mates have to help him do that by putting in good team performances.
Your defensive partnership with Carles Puyol has been one of the best. What is the secret behind a solid central defence?
We complement each other well, we cover each other almost automatically, we speak to each other, we both give our all.
How do you keep the same focus for big and small games?
It's our duty. One second of absent-mindedness when you're marking can lead to a defeat or to conceding a goal. You always have to be alert.
How do you cope with the daily pressure on you and your team and can you lead a normal everyday life without being recognised?
In Barcelona people are very respectful, so you can live a quiet and practically normal life. Besides, pressure is part of a footballer's profession and you learn to cope with it.
What did you feel when you signed for Barça?
It was a dream come true. I was signing for one of the giants, who had noticed me and taken a gamble on my abilities. It was truly unforgettable.
Have you ever wanted to leave Barça?
I would like to finish my career at Barcelona. I have always said so. But that doesn't just depend on me. That's a decision for the club. Perhaps I might play in Mexico for a bit before retiring from football completely.
What's the best memory you have had with FCB?
I always hope the best memory is still to come. There have been lots so far, including simple things like the pleasure you get from being in the dressing room or in training.
read the complete interview here
Read more:
Marquez: "Sometimes I get mad and lose control"
Several clubs preparing bid for Barcelona players
Marquez hopes to renew this year
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Marquez: "Sometimes I get mad and lose control"
Barcelona player Rafael Márquez gave an interview to FIFA’s official website.
Rafael, why have you decided to end your silence after you got criticized in recent weeks for the red card you received in the World qualifying match against USA in February?
I just thought the time was right. First of all, because I can't go to Mexico this week. I'm suspended and I can't play, but I really wanted to go and support my team-mates. I also think it's unfair that people are trying to pin the blame on me for the bad results we've been having. If you ask me, Mexican football has a deep-rooted problem. Our football is stagnating, if we carry on like this we're all going to pay for it.
What do you mean exactly?
There are a lot of things that are going on and we need to analyse them closely to find out why they're happening. It's almost like we're trying to shoot ourselves in the foot. Sometimes the press seem to be trying to outdo each other and publish the most trashy stories to sell more papers. That doesn't help the national team.
What role do the players play in all this?
Sometimes I feel we're being left to fend for ourselves. At the same time, though, I'm aware that it's up to us to put things right and to work with what we've got at the moment. We need to give it our all and go all out to qualify.
It has been just over a month now since you were sent off against USA. How do you feel about it?
I've calmed done about it now. The first few days were very tough. I made a mistake but I've been going over it in my mind and learning from the experience. I'm focusing on my club at the moment, I'm in good shape, we're still in all three competitions and we've got a good chance of winning them all. Of course, I'm sad that I'm not with the national team right now and that's mainly because I asked permission to travel despite the suspension. I wasn't allowed to go, though.
Some people in Mexico have even questioned your love for the shirt.
If that were really the case, I'd have turned my back on the national team a long time ago. I'm still proud to represent my country, I love fighting for my country, I've been in every national side from the youth teams up and I'm never going to let Mexico down again. I made a mistake, that's true. I'm an aggressive player and that's one of my flaws, and because of that I get mad and lose control. But I'm learning to channel that energy now. I don't care about negative opinions because they come from people who don't know anything about football.
Despite everything do you think Mexico will be at South Africa 2010?
I've got no doubts about that. Of course, we will. I'm convinced we'll qualify for the World Cup. We have to make the most of the fact that we've got a good generation of young players and that there's some experienced players to back them up.
It will be 3am in Barcelona when the game against Costa Rica kicks off. Will you be staying up to watch it?
Yes, yes. I've got to watch the game. I've no option but to.
What message do you have for the fans back in Mexico?
They need to trust in us. We need their support more than ever and all I ask of them is that they don't read too much into what certain sections of the media might be saying. They really go over the top. I know we've got magnificent fans and there's bound to be a full house at the Estadio Azteca.
Is there anything you want to add on a personal note?
Yes, of course. I can't guarantee that I'll never get sent off again, but I'll be doing everything in my power to ensure I never let the people of Mexico down again. I've been through a lot and I've learnt things along the way. It was a very tough situation and I can honestly say that I won't let it happen ever again.
read the complete interview here
Read more:
Marquez: "Guardiola admires my style"
Barcelona wants to renew Marquez until 2012
Txiki: "We were right giving Eto'o a new chance"
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Marquez: "I have to repay Guardiola for his trust"
Barcelona player Rafael Márquez gave an interview to the club's official media.
When you signed for Barça in 2003, did you think you would go on to make 200 appearances?
I don’t know. I’m one of those who just enjoys the moment, the present, and perhaps I don’t think much about the future. But I have to say that holding down a first team place in such an important team for so long has not been easy, it’s been a lot of work. If I have come this far, it’s because of the confidence the managers have shown in me, both Frank Rijkaard before and Pep Guardiola now, and also the directors and the fans who have always supported me.
You are one of the veterans in the squad, and one of the ones who has been in the first team the longest. Do you feel like a leader, an important player?
Yes, I have been here for several seasons and the truth is that the team and the coach have made me feel important and that gives me confidence and of course more responsibility to make sure I do my job well.
Thanks to you, is there more support for Barça in Mexico?
I think so. A lot of people follow me in Mexico and there are people who might have supported somebody else before and now follow Barça. But I think that is also because Barça is a great club and has achieved important things.
You have had two hard years with the team, winning no titles. Now the dynamic seems to have changed and the good results and good football have returned.
Yes, I think that starting a new phase with a new manager has turned over a new leaf and the whole team has resurged. We are also ambitious to win and that’s important because for two seasons we weren’t good and let important things go by.
Guardiola has always supported and confided in you. Are you grateful for that?
Of course, he has trusted me from the start. We had a chat at the end of last season when he became the coach and it was nice because he gave me a lot of confidence and I’m grateful for what he did. Now I have to repay him for the trust by playing well for the team.
Guardiola has changed some habits and routines such as not staying in a hotel before ten o’clock fixtures. Is the team grateful?
It really is better for us. Spending so many hours in a hotel is a real drag and being with the family and getting some rest gives you more confidence and motivation and even more responsibility. The team has taken the idea on well and that is reflected on the pitch.
This season, the results are coming. The team is top of the League and into the second round of the Champions League. There is excitement in the air.
You have to take things bit by bit, game by game, which is what we are doing. I think we have to stay humble and work with the sacrifice we are putting into games, and in the end we’ll be rewarded for that. But it is important to stay calm, that’s essential right now.
Barça have scored more goals than anyone in Europe, and also let in the least. Is the team solid at the back?
We are all working hard, from the strikers to the goalkeeper. We are working very hard in defence, helping each other, there’s a lot of support. All that means we don’t let in many goals. It also helps to have a good goalkeeper like Valdés, that’s essential.
This year you have scored a lot of goals from set pieces. You have scored two goals yourself from corners.
Yes, because those actions are important to us. Strategy is always important as it brings wins, important points. We work on them before games and this is an area on which Guardiola puts a lot of emphasis on in order to get results.
We are seeing the best of Rafa Márquez. We can see you are enjoying playing again.
Yes. For the last two seasons perhaps I was not at my best but now I am lucky enough to be injury-free, I have no problems, and I’ll try to stay that way and at this level. I am helping the team and enjoying the football we’re playing. I think if it all stays that way, it’s unlikely that we won’t win any titles this season.
read the full interview here
Read more interviews with Barcelona players:
Iniesta: "Victor Valdes is great at one on one's"
Deco: "Every 20 years you have a player like Leo"
Hleb: "The atmosphere at the stadium was great"
Monday, 8 December 2008
Marquez: "The clasico is a different game"
Barcelona player Rafael Márquez gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.
Looking at how Madrid is doing now, the game wil be easier?
No, the "clásico" is a different game. The rest of the season will be forgotten that day. We're not writing off a team that has always been our main rival.
Their many injuries can be an excuse?
They should know how to deal with these things, I'm more busy with our own work.
Next weekend's game seems the ideal chance to make the fans happy with a good result against Madrid.
Like in the other games, we'll probably have enough opportunities to score. Another thing is to actually score but we have to keep our motivation and way of playing for that game.
Villareal is second at the moment. You see them as your closest rival?
I don't exclude Sevilla, Valencia or Madrid. Villareal sure is showing some good quality play but we're trying to have a decent advantage before we play them.
Messi was one of the payers who was very sensible for injuries and he's now taking care of himself very well. The same happens with you?
Yes, we're very aware of things, food, vitamines, muscle strengthening... All this to avoid injuries and until now it's working. Let's hope it will help until the end of the season.
All this has in the end an influence on your performances on the pitch, right?
Yes, I feel very good. I think that the mental and personal side is also very important and I feel very comfortable in all those aspects and you can see that in my play.
Without wanting to enter your personal life, you lived a similar situation like Henry last season since you also didn't have your children close?
Every person, whatever job he's doing and whatever personal problem he has, will also be thinking about that and it will have an influence. But one always tries to look for the balnce and the stability so one can do his job better.
Guardiola told you that he counted on you but that he wanted you to focus more on the game?
I'm still living my private life like I was last season with Rijkaard. There has been a lot of talking about me (note: rumours said he travelled a lot to Madrid because his new girlfriend lives there) but many of those things weren't true. Between me and Guardiola there's mutual trust and I keep on living my life like I did before.
About the Liga, you say you're not excluding anyone. How about the Champions League?
I don't know yet, because you have to wait for the group stage to ends. But we're capable of playing against every team.
There are still worries in the club about the low number of fans who are coming to the Camp Nou. What would you say to the fans to make them come out?
That they need to fill the stadium because in the Camp Nou you live the game with more intensity than at home. We need the fans to keep on winning the next games.
This is the second and last part of this interview. Read the first part here:
Marquez: "Guardiola is a born winner"
Saturday, 6 December 2008
Marquez: "Guardiola is a born winner"
Barcelona player Rafael Márquez gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.
The win against Sevilla was the definite confirmation of the candidacy for the league title?
We're working for that. We take match after match, like the coach wants us to do. There won't be any easy games and thinking from match to match is the way leagues are won.
One thing is the theory and another thing the confident way in which you settle the games on the pitch.
The truth is that we feel very confident. Every player who takes part feels very strong and, above all, believes in the coach, which is also important.
Guardiola is the main reason for the change?
He organizes everything and we need to follow him. But yes, I think he's is greatly responsible for the change, because of his ideas, his work. We just deal with the orders with a different mentality, a new chip for a new era.
You said that the group worked less with Rijkaard. A player maybe needs it to perform well that a coach is watching him closely?
Yes, Guardiola has set his rules very clearly and this makes us follow his way of dealing with things and it has worked until now. With Rijkaard it also worked at a certain point. We won a lot of trophies and this should be remembered.
Which fundamental change made you work all very hard from the first day this season?
Independent of the work, I think that it's also a mental issue. Guardiola is very pressing, he tries to motivate us and to prevent that we relax too much or get down. Not only in the games but also in every training session, every single day. This is good for us because we cannot fall asleep one second. Sometimes you're not really aware of things but he makes you aware. That's an advantage we cannot give ourselves.
Which detail of Guardiola has striked you most?
He's very persevering. He's always there. Sometimes it seems he's not but he sees everything because his staff is controlling things. His mentality and the motivation he gives us is important for the self-esteem of every one of us. It's all very intense. He gives everything for the club, wanting to be the best. It's a born winner.
The great performances on the pitch are only a matter of motivation or you also fear to have to sit the bench?
Every player of the squad has qualities. You only should try to get the player to give everything he has and he achieves this.
Xavi said that you will at least win the Liga. You agree?
That's what we all want. After two years without trophies, we want to win again. We have to be cautious though and keep on working like we have done until now. If we continue like this until the end, it looks dificult we won't win anything.
After defeating Sevilla, would it be a final blow for the Liga if you also win against Valencia, Madrid and Villareal?
Not a final one because there will still be a lot of games left, but maybe it would indeed be a big knock for all the teams that are behind us. Defeating them would mean an important step to win their respect.
Valencia seems ready to take you on. There's something about them that you're afraid of?
They have a good team, but their attack is especially strong, with Villa and Mata, who are both in a good moment.
This was the first part of this interview. You can read the second part here in the coming days with Marquez talking -among other things- about the game against Real Madrid.
Read more interviews with Barcelona players here
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Marquez: "Giovani couldn't deal with the pressure"
Barcelona player Rafael Márquez gave an interview to Spanish football weekly paper Don Balón.
You felt persecuted last year with all sort of rumours about your private life made public?
No. Besides, I take care of not reading the press, I avoid it. I talk with the people around me, the coach and the board member, it's also an important part of my job. They said they believed that I would continue at the club and I didn't give attention to those rumours.
One of the important persons now is Guardiola. How do you get along with him?
Well, very good. The first time I talked with him was very special. When his arrival was announced, it was very clear to me that I wanted to stay at the club. But I didn't know if I was part of his new project. We were lucky to meet and he told me how he felt. His wish was that I didn't leave the club.
What did he exactly say to you?
That he was convinced that I would get back at the level I had shown in previous seasons.
That means he implicitly was saying that he wasn't satisfied with your performances last season?
I also consider myself to be an ambitious person and of course I wasn't playing as good as before during the last two seasons. It was a challenge for me to try to regain my best form again.
You feel a regular this season?
With Guardiola, it's difficult. There are so many games, there's so much competition, it's not easy. There's a big squad and nobody should feel too sure.
Taking into account the years you've been playing here, would you have liked to be one of the captains?
In every team where I have played, I have tried to be a leader on the pitch and to help the team, but I have never been obsessed with wearing the armband.
With the Mexican national team you're wearing it but there you're also a true idol. How do you deal with that?
Well, I always try to be the same person and to not change my attitude. What I try to do is to give the example because being the capitan gives you a lot of responsibility.
How do you look at the qualifiers for the World cup in 2010?
Things are fine. We're having some troubles in the away games but we hope to be present in South Africa.
Guardado is your big hope?
It's a great player, he has already proven that. If he doesn't get injured and he keeps on making progress, the logical thing is that he will join a big club soon.
Giovani seems to go in the opposite direction. Are you talking with him about what he's going through?
We've lost contact somehow but it's a very talented young player and he'll sure recover in Tottenham.
Why do you think he left Barça?
He arrived together with Bojan and people were immediately talking about his talent. But he didn't have enough experience to deal with the pressure and he paid for that. He wanted to do too many things at the same time and he ended up making one mistake after the other. All this affected him greatly and it prevented him from showing what he could.
This was the fourth and last part of this interview. You can read the previous parts here:
"We're starting a new era"
"You won't find a substitute for Eto'o"
"Atlético Madrid wanted to sign me"
Monday, 1 December 2008
Marquez: "Atlético Madrid wanted to sign me"
Barcelona player Rafael Márquez gave an interview to Spanish football weekly paper Don Balón.
Let's return to the unity in the squad. Piqué is a good example of the importance of having a good atmosphere in the group?
Yes, of course. He's a joker. But he doesn't do it with the objective of being noticed or he's not acting like someone he is not. He is like that and it's nice to have someone like him who brings joy to the group.
With which players do you feel most connected?
I get along good with the majority. It's a logic thing since we're passing a lot of time together. But maybe I'm feeling most close to Gudjohnsen, Henry and Jorquera.
So you know first hand if Henry is worried about his situation?
Henry is a very demanding person. He's focused on his job and we see that every day. He always wants to give his best for the team.
Let's talk about your career at Barça. If I give you the names of Reiziger, Frank de Boer and Koeman, what are you thinking then?
Emmm... That they are all Dutchmen?
That's right, but that's not where we were going to. They are the only three foreign defenders who have played more games than you in the history of Barça. You feel proud about that?
Well yes, obviously. Those three were great players and such a fact makes you understand the value of the years you have been playing here.
Looking at the numbers, you could reach the number one on that list, Koeman, in two years time. Can you imagine that this will happen?
Of course, why not? My priority is to continue here for many more years. I'm feeling very comfortable in the city and much appreciated within the club.
So you will renew your contract?
Well, there's no need to hurry. I still have a contract for this season and the next one. The truth is that I'm very happy here, with the club, the city, the teammates.
You thought about looking for another club during the past summer?
No, no. Not at all. I never thought about leaving Barça. My objective has always been to stay here.
You must have had a bunch of offers, right?
I received a lot of offers and this also gives you a relaxed feeling because it means that there will always be teams where you can go to if you wouldn't have opportunities here.
Atlético Madrid, coached by your compatriot Aquirre, has shown interest for you?
I don't know if the club received a formal offer but I know that Atlético wanted to sign me.
What was your best season, of the five you've already completed at Barça?
The season when we won the double, Liga and Champions League. It was, without any doubt, the most important season and the one during which I felt best on the pitch.
Your performances were excellent that season. Personally, I think that you grow in the games where there's a lot of pressure, like the ones against Chelsea and Milan that season...
Maybe. You have to be fully conncentrated in those games and that leads to a rise of the football level and the responsibility. Personally, I like those games a lot. Although I try to be more regular and to keep one same line in all the games.
This was the third part of this interview. You can read the fourth and last parts on thsi blog in the coming days with Márquez talking - among other things - about his relationship with Guardiola and about the Mexican national team.
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Marquez: "You won't find a substitute for Eto'o"
Barcelona player Rafael Márquez gave an interview to Spanish football weekly paper Don Balón.
Tell me something about Rijkaard. You have known him from the day of his arrival until the day he left.
It's a very stable person. When he needed to be strong and severe, he was able to achieve that and when he wanted to be happy, sympathetic and trasmit us positive things, he also could do that. We liked his philosophy of being relaxed and close to us.
I have the impression that Guardiola has more rules...
Not as much as people are saying. But it's true that he is much more demanding when we have to work. He's firmer. Since he has been part of such an important club, this has made him focus more on some things. Regarding aspects like the discipline and the mentality, you can see that.
One of the moments that symbolized the end of Rijkaard's Barça was the game at the Bernabeu, when Barcelona had to pay tribute to the champions and was severely defeated. This was the saddest day for you?
It was more something I forgot about the same day. I just keep the good things.
You think that could be repeated if we look at how the teams are performing his season?
I don't know, we'll have to wait for the next game.
I say it because there seems to be a crisis in Madrid. Is there that much dfference in the way of playing between Barça and Madrid?
It's not about the way of playing. In the end, we're two teams with great players and when we face each other everything can happen.
It's not easy to praise Madrid these days... You think that the exit of Robinho has an influence on the performances of Schuster's team?
Not at all. I don't think one player alone can destabilize a team.
They sure don't seem very united... In your case, it's just the opposite: how has this squad been able to regain the joy and the companionship?
We're just all feeling comfortable and that is reflected on the pitch. It's extremely important to have a good atmosphere off the pitch and to be able to work with a happy group because if that's not the case, you easily have problems or disagreements. At this moment, the team is aware of that and we want to keep the dynamics going.
It hasn't been like this over the last two years...
We were trying it, but we couldn't achieve it. This season things have changed and now we're on the right way.
Eto'o was accused of being a destabilizing element and look where he is now. In what way has he changed?
He hasn't changed. Samuel is still the same person. We all know his character and his way of being. He's ambitious and he always wants to be the first. He puts his heart and soul in everyting he does. He is still here because he's a quality player.
You think that he's the best centre forward for Barça?
It's difficult to start looking for a centre forward with the same profile of Eto'o. Personally I don't think you'll find someone. I think that for now he's the best striker we can have.
Who was never on the market is Leo Messi. You would give him the Golden Ball this year?
Well, there has been a lot of talk about the issue but, as things stand now, Cristiano Ronaldo starts with an advantage. Titles are important in this perspective. On the other hand, Leo is very young and from now on, he'll always be a candidate to win the trophy.
This was the second part of this interview. You can read the following parts on the blog in the coming days with Márquez talking - among other things - about the renewal of his contract and the offers he received this summer.
Read the first part of this interview here:
Marquez: "We're starting a new era"
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Marquez: "We're starting a new era"
Barcelona player Rafael Márquez gave an interview to Spanish football weekly paper Don Balón.
Congratulations for the victories, the goals and the play of the team. But aren't you spoiling the fans too much?
I don't think so. The fans should get used to the team playing good and winning, but maybe not in the way we are doing it lately. In the last games we had exceptional circumstances that have lead us to score a lot of goals. But it won't be like that always.
How do you see the games from your position on the pitch? You see the same showpiece as on television?
Of course, you're seeing everything that happens around you as well as the actions by the teammates up front.
You wouldn't like to see the game from the outside, like the other people?
No, I prefer to feel part of it. Besides, everything starts from the back, where the defenders play... The others just have to finish it. But for the team to function well, every piece should act at the same level.
Is it difficult to keep the feet on the ground?
The majority of us already lived good moments and bad moments. So we know with what we are dealing. We all feel an important part of the squad and modesty is a consequence of that.
What is the share of Guardiola in the good performances of the team?
The coach is responsible for fifty per cent. He just gives orders and sets the line we should follow but in the end, the fundamental work, the other fifty per cent, is done by the players. He asks us to do something and we respond to that on the pitch.
He demands more from you than Rijkaard did?
Rijkaard and Guardiola are different coaches. Their way of working is very different. But with Frank we won a lot of trophies and this is something that shouldn't be forgotten. The methods of Rijkaard also lead us to great results.
So how come the team changed that much from one season to another?
The key element is the ambition. Maybe everything had become a routine over the last seasons and things didn't work out well and titles weren't won with the old methods. Now we have changed our mind set and luckily we're again having this hunger to win.
What routine are you talking about?
Well, that is the past. We should let it rest and keep the good things. We're starting a new era in which we all want to keep on making history.
Two of the new transfers, who are playing close to you, Alves and Piqué, have adapted very good to the system. This has surprised you?
Not at all. They are incredible players, they know very well how to play the game and they don't need to adapt. They come from big clubs and that has helped them to settle in. They're already important to the team.
Guardiola said a short while ago that what happened over the last two years wasn't Rijkaard's fault. You think that he means that the players were to blame?
Everyone was to blame. Some for letting ourselves go and others for not stopping what was happening.
This was the first part of this interview. The other parts will follow in the coming days.
Read more:
Marquez could move to Miami in 2010
Guardiola convinced Marquez to stay
Marquez wants to renew his contract


