By Jake Watson
28 May 2011 12:13:00
Victor Valdes, Barcelona (Getty Images)
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Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has put pressure on Manchester United to attack in the Champions League final, claiming they are the more powerful side offensively.
The last time the two sides met in the final was in 2009 when Barcelona controlled the game and ran out comfortable 2-0 winners though Valdes believes both teams have improved since then.
“Both the teams have improved a great deal. We are more mature,” Valdes said in an article in The Daily Mirror.
“Manchester has more power offensively than we have. Maybe we can find a more offensive Manchester than in Rome.”
“Manchester has a lot of potential. That’s something we’ve seen at a lot of matches, including in Rome.
“I really think it will be an intense final and I’m sure it’ll be an exciting one.”
Both teams won their domestic titles and this final was long-touted as the one for the neutrals, though Valdes is wary of hyping up the game.
“I don’t know what to say. We’ll see,” he added.
“I think a lot of fans have been dreaming of such a final. It’s going to happen and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Barcelona have been tipped as one of the all-time great teams with their success combined with their passing style of football and Valdes says they will not be deviating from their usual style.
“A match is always a match to be won, however you can,” he continued. “Fans want us to be faithful to the game we play. If we are to win, I think that’s the only way we’ll be able to do that.
“It doesn’t matter how you get there, it’s to have that trophy in your hands.”
Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has made history during his tenure at the Catalan giants and Valdes has spoke of the importance of the manager.
“The club that wins this Champions league is historical,” the 29-year-old said.
“This group, this team of players, we will make history – it’s a very important game for the club.
“What we want to do is what I said earlier, make history for the club and this generation of players, this generation of players that’s been with Pep Guardiola.
“He shouldn’t leave. He needs to stay with Barcelona – it is important for everyone.”