Valdes: Guardiola extension great for Barca

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has supported Pep Guardiola’s decision to remain at the Catalan club until 2012.

Guardiola agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension on Thursday, and the Spanish champions’ shot-stopper was pleased he would be playing under the same boss next season.

“Personally, I always had faith in the manager staying. I think I speak for most, if not all, of my team-mates. I think that it is good news, not only for the players but also for the club in general and for Barcelona,” Valdes said.

“I always said that I couldn’t imagine the club without the manager, but not to suck up to him. I think that he is the best for Barcelona, for the results that he has given the team. He has been one of the big keys to the success over the past three years.”

Barcelona will face Sporting Gijon away on Saturday in La Liga and can extend their lead over title rivals Real Madrid at the summit to 10 points with a victory.

Valdes admitted he feared the three points would be hard to come by, given the recent history between the two sides, which has seen Gijon lose narrowly to the champions in their past two outings (1-0 on both occasions).

“We have to remember that Sporting have been difficult for us recently, both home and away. Right now they are refinding their form and style, and they will be hard to play against at home. We want to play our own game, and then we won’t have to worry,” he said.