Stand-in defenders will stand up to United, says Valdes

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes said on Tuesday he has no concerns about the replacement centre-backs in front of him against the might of Manchester United’s attack in Wednesday’s Champions League final.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has several options at full-back with first-choice pair Dani Alves and Eric Abidal both missing out through suspension.

Captain Carles Puyol and former United defender Gerard Pique are almost certain to start and Valdes has no qualms with the replacements up against the likes of United attackers Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“No, I am not nervous we are missing important players in defence, but we have great players who can step in and are totally trustworthy,” said the 27-year-old.

“I am prepared for anything in a final, the most important thing is to win it.

“Anyone chosen will be able to step up and do the job.”

While Manchester United are bidding for their fourth European crown and looking to become the first team to defend the Champions League title, while Barcelona are hoping to win the trophy they last won in 2006 for the third time.

“For us, this is the most important match because the past is the past and we are now here to win tomorrow’s (Wednesday’s) final,” said the Spaniard insisting history will count for nothing at Rome’s Olympic Stadium.

With Ronaldo pledging to score in the final, Valdes says he will sleep soundly on Tuesday night and does not expect any nightmares about the Manchester United attack.

“I think he (Ronaldo) is a gentleman we have to take into account for his attacking qualities,” said Valdes.

“He will do his best and we will do our best to counter him, but Manchester United have so many quality players, you can’t focus on just one.”