Martino ‘wasn’t happy at Barca’

Tata Martino has lifted the lid on his time at Barcelona, admitting he wasn’t happy at Camp Nou, and discussed Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano.

Martino took over as Argentina Coach following the World Cup and keeps a close watch on Barca fixtures because of the presence of Messi and Masche.

He is pleased with how the pair are currently being used by Luis Enrique but when asked about his season in Catalonia, admits to a lot of regrets.

“These are the feelings after 10 months of work and analysing everything,” he began, AS reports.

“How was my arrival, with time to prepare for all the competitions and every day there? After all, I’m encouraged to express what happened.

“I felt I couldn’t improve this fantastic team and I wasn’t happy at reaching one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“[The current Barca] is a much improved version. They don’t create as much as a team but they have a very high level of attackers who can decide a game. The team evolves over time and players need replacing.

“There are two beneficial things happening with Messi and Mascherano. Leo starts on the right side and Mascherano is being played in midfield. And that’s good.

“Before Masche only played at centre-back and came to the national team to play in midfield.

“Messi’s been fine in 2015. To talk about what happens in the locker room without being in there is difficult. He’s getting the ball, competing, creating goals, and involved to the benefit of everyone.”

Martino also touched on Barca’s Champions League win over Manchester City in which Messi missed a late penalty and put the rebound wide.

“I can imagine his anger. I didn’t think the referee was going to allow the rebound as time was up,” he added.

“Barcelona won well, had a great first half, and have a good advantage for the return.”

Tags Javier Mascherano Lionel Messi Tata Martino
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