8 August 2007, by Lorna Danion

Miguel ready for Champions League qualifier

“Valencia could sign Deco” says Portugal defender

Portuguese right-back Miguel has revealed that he will be fit to take part in Valencia’s Champions League qualifier next week, after picking up a knock during a recent pre-season friendly.

The former Benfica man suffered a minor injury against Manchester City during a match in England last weekend, but should be available for Los Ches’ first leg tie with either Debreceni (Hungary) or Elfsborg (Sweden) on August 14th.

“At first I was afraid, but the injury wasn’t bad. I had to take care and on Wednesday, I will train again. I’m ready to play.” Miguel said. “I feel good but I still don’t have enough speed. I’m working really hard to get it.”

“We could think the qualifier will be simple, but things are not that easy on the pitch. We have to respect every team, because otherwise we’ll get a nasty surprise. Next Tuesday everyone will do their best to play the next Champions League.

“I prefer to play at home first, with our fans. It’s easier to win and I hope we get an advantage of two or three goals. It’s very difficult for other teams to play in Mestalla, that’s why I prefer to play at home first.”

Improved player

Miguel was also asked about his own style of play, which has seen him become one of the La Liga’s top full-backs since his 2005 move from Benfica, and the 27-year-old admits that his game has improved since his switch to Spain.

“The most important thing is to defend properly. Then, if I can go forward, I will. I’ve learned a lot about defending here. Sometimes you can go forward, sometimes you can’t. We are free to decide. When I came here, I had to adapt to the team. That was a great challenge for me and I improved a lot.”

Meanwhile, Miguel gave his views on two other Portuguese players: Marco Caneira, who returns to the Mestalla after a hugely successful loan spell with Sporting, and Barcelona midfielder Deco, currently the subject of constant media speculation in Spain.

“I have known Caneira for 19 years now. We are very good friends, he is a great team-mate and his signing was a good decision,” said Miguel.

“Deco is a great player and a good friend of mine. I’ve read that things are not going well for him this pre-season. Barca is a great team, they’ve signed some very good players. When you play for a great club anything can happen. Valencia could sign him, he is a quality football player.”