Recber baffled by Rijkaard snub

The Turkish international custodian, widely regarded as one of the premier goalkeepers in world football, has been forced to play second fiddle at his new club to rookie shot-stopper Victor Valdes.

Valdes, a Barca youth product, has started the opening two matches of the Primera season - letting in just one goal in the process - and Recber admits he is unhappy at his current predicament.

"It is not normal to be a substitute because you can't speak Spanish," said the former Fenerbahce star.

"This was the justification that the coach gave me for giving the starting role to Valdes.

"I have to accept it, but it's difficult to take given what he has said.

"It's not normal that a goalkeeper with my history should be a substitute because I can't speak a language well.

"In the world of football there is a universal language, but I don't want to cause a problem.

"However, if there is another problem, I would like the coach to tell me."

The Turk declared that he was happy to stay and fight for his place in the short-term, but admitted he would be seeking talks with the Barca hierarchy if the situation had not changed by mid-season.

"I'm going to fight in training to earn myself an opportunity and demonstrate that I should not be a substitute.

"But if this carries on until the end of the first half of the season I might have to talk with (Joan) Laporta (Barca president).

"I have not had a bad game since I've been here and have not shown any attitude that could be considered unprofessional.

"I believe that I don't deserve to be a substitute, but these things happen in football and I will fight to change it."