Third time lucky for Cañizares

By Claire Nash

Grandstand finish
Cañizares, whose club are riding high after seeing off the threat of Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona to win the Primera División, said: "The third time should be our time. We want to make it a defining moment. It is very important for the club how well we have done so far. If we win the UEFA Cup we could say it has been the best season in our history. The present is what is important, not the past and the two Champions League finals we lost."

Defensive steel
The goalkeeper revealed that Valencia aim to upset Marseille with their pace up front and rely on their formidable defence to contain Didier Drogba. "We have to exploit our pace and continue to defend as well as we have done all season," said Cañizares. "Marseille defend well, while up front they have Drogba.

Drogba danger
"We must not forget about their other players such as Steve Marlet," added the Spanish international. "[But] we can't afford to give [Drogba] space because he is dangerous from any position on the pitch."

Careful approach
Cañizares admits confidence is high in the Valencia camp after the club sealed their Primera División triumph. "Some of our players think that we're going to win but I've urged caution," he said. "Marseille have beaten teams such as Liverpool [FC] and [FC] Internazionale. We can't celebrate something we have not yet won. But we can be optimistic because the club are on an upward curve."
 
Prestige point
The experienced goalkeeper believes winning the trophy will ensure that Valencia are set up for a successful Champions League campaign next year and will continue to dominate Spanish domestic football. "Valencia will have a good team for the next few years," he said. "Winning the trophy would boost the image of Valencia around the world. It brings prestige and a better position in football.

Worldwide springboard
"We don't envy English or Italian teams," he added. "Most of the players will want to stay here next season. The club have provided a springboard for the likes of Vicente [Rodríguez], who is likely to be one of the star players at [UEFA] EURO 2004." Should Cañizares join him in Spain's first XI in Portugal it could yet be the perfect end to the best of all possible seasons.