Marcelo to AS

Marcelo sat down with AS newspaper discuss the team’s last league win against Getafe and their midweek Champions League encounter at Milan.

How did the team handle the first mini-crisis of the season?
We had a tough week on all fronts and we knew that it was important to beat Getafe to keep pace with Barça heading into our  match against Milan. The fans cannot see their team lose 4-0 like it did in Alcorcon.

Did the win against Getafe mean more than just three points?
SIt also allowed us to put pressure on Barça. Our overall spirit improved. We all helped out and ran a lot. We are one point away from Barcelona. They are a good team, but so are we.

Why was their such a big difference between Saturday’s performance and that against Alcorcon?
The daily work hasn’t changed. Something things just happen in a way that we don’t like. People must be a little more patient. We were anxious to forget about the previous week.

Do you feel more comfortable in the midfield?
A winger in Europe tends to attack, but he also defends more than he does in Brazil. As a midfielder I have more freedom, which is why I stick out more when I play there. I do enjoy playing in attack, but I feel more comfortable as a left-back.

The team looked very orderly with you in the midfield and Kaka along the flank.
We were very organized against Getafe, but it depends on us, not the coach. We can beat whoever when we play well.

Do you have revenge in mind for tomorrow’s match against Milan?
Not revenge, but we are excited for the chance to finish top of the group. We will show a lot of winning spirit against Milan.