[Magical20]

FC Barcelona's Mexican defender has assured everyone that the team wants to start the new year with a victory: "It's the first time we've got so many attacking players out injured, however, we'll still go with a winning mentality".


Barça hope to start the new year on the right foot with the first challenge being that of Getafe; a stadium which has seen points given out sparingly to the visiting teams. A potentially difficult encounter given that both Deco and Ronaldinho are suspended and Eto'o, Messi, Zambrotta and Thuram, injured.

Despite this, the ambition of the team is to always leave with three points. And this has been Rafa Marquez's message, convinced that despite the injuries, Barça go to Getafe only thinking of victory: "We'll go with a winning mentality, whoever's on pitch. It's true that this is the first time we've had so many injuries, however, we're still only thinking of coming away with three points".

Specific plan

The players have been training over the holidays in order to maintain there levels of fitness and return in good condition. "Everyone had their own specific training plan over the holiday period" explained Marquez. In any case, he doesn't believe the time will affect the encounter on Sunday: "We hope to be in good condition for the game".

Rafa's return

Rafa Marquez arrived back on the 3rd of January, however, he was a few hours later than he had originally intended. The Mexican explained: "There were some delays in Mexico. I don't like arriving late and I try to be responsible, however, there are occasions when I cannot control anything".


Secret Santa

Alter the training session, the players celebrated, as is traditional during the Christmas holidays, the secret Santa game. Marquez said: "I was lucky" with his present and said he was in favour of these initiatives: "it's a way of spending time with rest of the team".