09/26/2006
RONALDINHO WARNS RIVALS
Ronaldinho - warning for Barcelona rivals.
RONALDINHO WARNS RIVALSBarcelona superstar Ronaldinho sounded an ominous warning to the rest of the primera Liga by insisting: "We can still get better."
Frank Rijkaard's side have started the domestic campaign with three wins out of three, scoring nine goals in the process, and thumped Levski Sofia 5-0 in their Champions League opener for good measure.
However, Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho is not getting too carried away just yet.
"This season has started well but we can still get better," he told club website www.fcbarcelona.com.
"There are many teams out there that can create many problems for us in the fight for the title - Sevilla, Valencia and Real Madrid among others."
It is Quique Sanchez Flores' Valencia side who on Sunday travel to the Nou Camp, where they have picked up points in each of the past five seasons.
Ronaldinho is keen to buck that trend.
"We are highly motivated towards getting all three vitally important points," said the 26-year-old.
"We must pay close attention to all their players for there to be no surprises.
"Valencia are an extremely difficult team to beat and they have immense quality in attack."
Ronaldinho insists he has not been distracted by talk of a possible new deal in Catalonia.
"I'm never worried about my contract," he said. "I only worry about playing.
"My brother deals with all the paperwork, the only time I worry is when I'm on the pitch.
"I am very happy with the way things are going at the moment. Since I have come to Barca, things have gone well for me. I hope things continue like this all season and for a long time to come."
The former Paris St German star is even happy to live with Rijkaard's famed rotation policy.
"No player likes to sit out of a game, (but) the boss makes his decisions and we respect them," he said.
"I do not consider myself untouchable."
Argentinian youngster Lionel Messi picked up a thigh problem during last weekend's victory over Racing Santander but resumed full training on Thursday and is in contention.
Santiago Ezquerro has been working in isolation after injuring his left quadriceps, and is unlikely to feature.
Valencia, along with Barca and Sevilla, are the only other Primera Liga team to have a 100% record after three games.
Spain striker David Villa is hopeful that record will be extended on Sunday, although the 24-year-old knows it will be far from easy.
"We are very optimistic about the match," Villa told club website www.valenciacf.es. "We know it will be a very difficult encounter against fantastic opposition.
"Their results speak for themselves - champions of Europe, champions of Spain... they are one of the strongest teams in the world.
"Like our team, theirs is full of quality players. If one does not perform then another will. We will have to be alert until the final whistle."
Villa will come face to face with international colleague Xavi on Sunday, and is relishing the task.
"(Xavi is) a great footballer, very important for the way Barcelona play.
"I have had the pleasure of playing in the same side as him and understand very well the way he plays."
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08/27/2006
Catching Up With Steve Nash
SECAUCUS, N.J., Aug. 24 -- It's been quite a summer for the NBA's stars. KG went to China and India. T-Mac's on his way over to Asia soon. Shaq went to China too, then returned to the States to hit the links with Zo, who of course, held his annual Summer Groove. And of course, you have the 48 NBA players striving for a World Championship in Japan.
Then we have the league's reigning two-time MVP.
"I've really been enjoying my summer," said Steve Nash from a dressing room at NBAE Studios.
Nash was here to appear on Basketball International, with Andre Aldridge and Simone Sandri, NBA TV's weekly, half-hour look at basketball on a world stage.
So, what has Nash been doing with his summer vacation? He has hosted a charity game, had his locks shorn (yes, this was news), watched the World Cup, kicked around the pelota with the New York Red Bulls and hung out with FC Barcelona and the reigning FIFA Player of the Year, Ronaldinho.
"That was a blast," Nash said. "Soccer's been a big part of my life. It was a great chance for me to go out there and play with the professionals."
 Two two-time MVPs: Ronaldinho and Nash Courtesy New York Red Bulls |
NBA.com: You played three grueling playoff series, two seven-game series and a six-game series. How tired were you physically and mentally, and has this summer helped you rejuvenate?
Nash: "I actually felt good at the end of the season. I could have kept playing. But this summer's been great to rejuvenate, nonetheless. I feel really good right now and I'm excited for the next season."
NBA.com: You made the Western Conference Finals last season. What do you need to do to get over that hump into The Finals?
Nash: "I think we need better luck with our health, and if we can formulate the same chemistry and style of play that we did last year with a few extra pieces thanks to good health, we feel we're right there."
NBA.com: One of those pieces, obviously, is Amaré Stoudemire. He participated in USAB camp and then took some time off to rehab further. Do you expect him back for camp?
Nash: "Yeah, I think we expect him to start the season with us. But this is something that's going to be with him throughout the remainder of his career.
"When you go through such an important surgery, you're continually preparing to be fit and prevent injury. He's hopefully building up his strength, but it's something we need to be patient with and make sure we give him enough time to be confident and comfortable."
NBA.com: You're going to start training camp in Italy. What are your thoughts about opening your training camp overseas?
Nash: "I'm extremely excited. I love to travel and I love Italy. Opening camp in Italy is not only a change for us, but a great opportunity to experience a different culture and a different type of training camp. It's going to be a lot of fun before.
"There are so many great spots in Italy and I've loved it all. One place I haven't been is the Venice/Treviso area, so I'm excited to do that. And I've been to Rome, so I'm excited to return there."
NBA.com: This has been a great summer to be a fan for you, first the World Cup, now the World Championships. How are you following the games?
Nash: "Well, it's been on early in the morning, so I haven't got to watch much, but I've been following the scores, and it's been fun to follow. "
NBA.com: Who do you think are the favorites in the tournament?
Nash: "The US and Argentina are the two best teams, we'll see what happens when they collide."
http://www.nba.com/
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