Tata Martino has suggested that the form of Atletico Madrid means Barcelona might need more than 100 points to win the title.
Barca, Atletico and Real Madrid are all currently locked on 50 points at the top of the table, with Madrid having played 20 games to the 19 of their rivals.
“Last season, 100 points was enough to be champions,” Martino told a Press conference held before Barca’s match with Levante.
“There’s the possibility that we need to add more this season if our opponents continue at this pace.
“It’s very possible that three teams end up very tight.”
Barca are expected to be without Andres Iniesta for the trip to Levante, but Martino revealed he could have called on the midfielder if a more crucial game was in prospect.
“Andres is training almost normally.
“If it was a decisive match or a Cup final he could have played.
“But we thought it appropriate he do more training instead. All being well he could play against Levante in the Cup on Wednesday.”
Martino also discussed the decision not to take Carles Puyol to Valencia, revealing an unspoken understanding between the player and the club.
“It’s not that I don’t want him playing two games in a row but I don’t see the need to risk anything if it can be helped and the team can do well without him.
“He shouldn’t play two games in three or four days and the team can cope without him.
“We haven’t spoken about it but somehow both parties understand it has to be this way.”
Martino dismissed the first meeting between the sides this season – a 7-0 win for Barca – as unrepresentative of the quality Levante possess.
“It was atypical for Levante.
“They have proven to be a very solid team, combative and very fast on the counter.”
Martino also revealed his displeasure at playing Levante three times in 10 days, with the Cup double-header to come.
The Coach stressed nothing should be read into the League fixture as it pertains to the Copa tie.
“We are bored of seeing the same faces.
“No one can think the games will be similar. Villarreal and Real Sociedad showed that.
“We must treat each game as completely different.”
