A personal protest against the effects of international engagements and a word of advice for Giovani Dos Santos is Marquez offering for the day.


FC Barcelona's Mexican defender, Rafa Marquez is concerened that the international break for friendlies and competition qualifiers could hurt Barca's progress pattern in the La Liga. Marquez spoke about the often slowing effect breaks from a free flow of constant league action can affect a player's mind and the entire teams rythym. Having picked three points and a bit more of their form against Athletic, Barca were hoping to continue their impressive display with another closely placed victory in the next Primera game, but that has been disrupted by the international matches as the Camp Nou is now deserted by senior team stars who have all gone to their respective countries camps. Marquez says:

This development is not good for us. It would be better if the league continued and we could all work together, but we all have to fulfil our national team obligations. Let’s hope we come back in perfect condition so we don’t lose the good rhythm we had last Sunday.

Márquez has been called up by Mexico manager Hugo Sánchez for the match against Brazil on 12th September.

Rafa's fellow country-man and rising teen sensation, Giovani Dos Santos has also been called for two friendlies involving the Mexican senior national teams. The youthful prodigy is only 18 and has been suddenly thrown into professional limelight with his star-bewitching performance since wearing the Blue and the Red stripes of Barca. Marquez, who has been once a teenage star himself, has words of advice and caution for his illustrious teammate:

He’s a great footballer with an extraordinary future. It’s logical that other clubs are interested in him. I think the Board would do well to work to keep him at Barça. He’s a player that can bring us a lot of joy. I always try to help Giovanni and the advice I give him is to keep his feet on the ground and work hard day in and day out to be a better player and a better person.