Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano said on Wednesday that despite being in preseason his team mate and fellow compatriot Leo Messi, scorer of four goals already, is fresher than ever thanks to some well deserved holidays.
“Leo has come back fresh and rested. It is true that pre-season games are for remembering habits but Leo has come back after a month’s rest and he will be fresher this season” he said at a press conference in Gothenburg.
The Blaugranas play this afternoon at 20.00 p.m against Manchester United. “It’s a friendly, but the club has already faced Manchester in the semifinals and finals of the Champions League. We will do well to prepare for the first game of the season,” he said.
It will also be the first major test for the new signings like Jordi Alba and youth players that have progressed well as well as the new Barca coach, Tito Vilanova.
“Coming up from second in command, Tito has gained notoriety. Now all eyes will be on him but he has always been an important part of Barca’s success. Each of us must account for himself,” Mascherano said.
