MADRID, Spain (AP) — Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro doesn’t feel appreciated in Spain.
The FIFA player of the year said Thursday that Spanish fans like forwards so much that they lose sight of the art of defending.
"That’s why people didn’t like me getting so many awards last year. Spaniards don’t think a defender should win the Golden Ball," Cannavaro told Spanish daily El Mundo. "Italy is different — defenders and goalkeepers can be more important than strikers there."
Cannavaro, 34, thinks Spain’s national team could learn from Italy and work better as a team rather then relying on its offensive talent.
"They had it all: technique, speed . . . but they always seem to lose when things get difficult," the former Juventus and Parma player said. "We, on the other hand, grow stronger with adversity."
Puyol set to return for Barcelona after knee injury
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — FC Barcelona captain Carles Puyol is set to play against Levante on Saturday in the Spanish league after recovering from a knee injury.
The defender, who had knee surgery in June, was cleared to return to the first team after playing a match in training Thursday without complications. Ronaldinho also trained separately from his teammates Thursday and appears to be overcoming the muscle strain that has forced him out of two straight league matches.
Rafael Marquez will likely be on the bench due to injury. The defender, who filled one of the centre-back roles in Puyol’s absence, injured his right foot in Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Zaragoza on Wednesday.
Barcelona is also without Italy defender Gianluca Zambrotta, who is reported to have fractured his right femur in the victory.
Hierro takes on new role
MADRID, Spain (AP) — Former Spain defender Fernando Hierro is the new sporting director of the Spanish Football Federation.
Hierro made 89 appearances for Spain over 13 years. His appointment was announced Thursday.
The former Real Madrid player will work with Spain coach Luis Aragones to improve the national team but Hierro denied claims he wanted to take over Aragones’ post.
"The one sure thing is that my No. 1 choice is Luis Aragones," Hierro said. "It’s not a question of being the boss . . . My job is on the sporting side, his is on the technical side."
Hierro also dismissed reports that he would push Aragones to select former Madrid teammate Raul Gonzalez.
Hierro will travel with the team for its next European Championship qualifying match against Denmark on Oct. 13.
Spain and Sweden top Group F with 19 points, though Sweden has a game in hand.