Javier Mascherano has said he is willing to play at centre-back or in midfield for Barcelona if it helps Luis Enrique.
Mascherano has been interview by Mundo Deportivo and in a lengthy discourse touched on his position, his Barca tenure, Liverpool exit and thoughts on the Coach.
MD put it to Mascherano that Barca have five centre-backs and Mascherano at first insisted he was a midfielder, but then conceded that he should be considered a defender based on his Barca career.
“I’m here to fill two positions, but if I go by years in Barcelona I have to feel like a centre-back because almost all my time has been there,” he admitted.
“I know I can also play as a midfielder. It’s best to be helpful to the Coach.
“The Coach aims to have competition in all positions and this competition will help us bring out the best in each other and reach a high level.
“Barca attack and defend through position and order. The players’ characteristics are more offensive than defensive.
“Most centre-backs, and there are many good ones, are more used to defending the penalty area. When you have to defend further away from goal, you need some requirements that are more recognisable in a midfielder than a defender.”
The Argentina international has spent a large part of his Barca career playing alongside Carles Puyol, and offered his recollections of the retired captain.
“Puyi has always been an example of how one has to behave in this profession,” he continued.
“We all know what he has meant to this club and to the team but what to highlight and copy is the human part.
“If he was in the stands or on the bench he was humble, training as anyone else despite his age and discomfort.
“It’s not easy not having him today, especially for the new people and the youngsters coming up.”
