Cannavaro Has Made Me A Better Defender - Marcelo
October 2007

Marcelo in action...

Marcelo has revealed that Fabio Cannavaro has made him become a better defender and he revelling in his new role at Real Madrid after almost leaving.

"He is always shouting at me, "Let's go! Watch out!" He definitely talks the most," the former Fluminense starlet said.

"He always tells me who to cover, and he yells, "Where are you going!?" when he sees me advance. He speaks to me a lot. I learn in every match.

"Everyone has given me the strength to play after such a long time on the bench. We're all united here. We all speak amongst ourselves.

"I have made progress when it comes to defending. I have been working hard at it and have been gaining confidence by playing in games. There are times when I can't move into attack, and the match against Werder Bremen boosted my confidence as well."

"Everyone thought I would be transferred. No one was counting on me, but I managed to stay thanks to hard work and only thinking about Real Madrid," he stated.

"But I never gave up. Ever since I got here, I have always thought I was capable of playing.

"The club always stuck by my side and my mind was set on staying because I want to win titles with Real Madrid."

"Schuster has been very important. He has faith in my work and has played me in the Champions League," he explained.

"I didn't think I would play, but a teammates was injured and I got the nod. I knew I would have to improve to stay, and I am happy with the confidence he has shown. Playing in the Champions League is incredible.

"It's just a phase. You have to struggle to win and not all rivals are easy. We're suffering a little but we're leaders," he concluded.