Pinto tired of playing second fiddle

21 July 2012 16:24

Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Pinto has expressed his desire to try and unseat Victor Valdes as the club's number one.

Pinto, who joined the Catalans from Celta Vigo in 2008, has only made 48 appearances in four seasons, with the bulk of his playing time coming in Copa del Rey encounters.

The 36-year-old, who enters the final year of his Barcelona contract, has spoken of his disillusionment of just featuring in cup games, and hopes to usurp Valdes' as the first-choice goalkeeper.

"(Barcelona coach) Tito (Vilanova) will make the decision he feels is best for the team," Pinto told reporters

"(Whether) he thinks it is best I play in the cup or La Liga or whatever, I will continue working, because I am competitive and ambitious and I will try to get Victor's job."

Pinto also spoke of the club's preparations ahead of the first pre-season friendly against Hamburg on Tuesday.

"I think it has been typical, we're adapting, doing physical work and the moment everything goes smoothly, players have been eager," he said.

Barcelona kick-off their close-season preparations at the Imtech Arena on Tuesday, ahead of the Supercopa double against Real Madrid next month.