Andres Iniesta has insisted that Barcelona Coach Tata Martino has the full backing of the players ahead of the trip to Real Madrid.
Iniesta was speaking at a Press conference and predicted Barca would provide stern opposition for the League leaders.
He was also asked about the status of the Coach and replied that he sees no issues regarding Martino’s readiness for the Clasico.
“Tata looks good to me, just as he always does,” Iniesta said.
“He’s fully qualified to be here. We have a few months to fight for everything and after that we’ll see what happens.
“We shouldn’t let anything distract from what we have experienced. It will be unique.
“I’ve not seen a game in Argentina but they have [games like the Clasico] and are very passionate.
“I hope Tata has a good memory of his first Clasico. We’re with him until the death.
“Coaches should be a lighthouse for the team and we are all together. For us he is the best Coach we can have.”
Iniesta was asked about the form and contribution of Lionel Messi and replied that Barca need Messi fit and firing.
“Having Leo at his best is a basic need for this team. It’s fundamental, essential.
“It’s hard for Leo not to have a good game, he’s such a high quality player. In every game he creates a lot but there are times during the season when anything can happen.”
Iniesta also touched on recent comments by Pep Guardiola, who revealed he left Barca because he felt he could no longer motivate the players.
“For Guardiola to say that is a personal matter for him. Evidently we weren’t lacking the motivation to keep winning because we had a great season after he left, winning the League and getting to the Champions League semi-finals,” Iniesta countered.
Luka Modric’s name was brought up as a player Barca will have to be wary of against Madrid and Iniesta conceded the former Tottenham player was a danger.
“Modric is a very interesting player, at a great level not only this year but in Croatia and England before,” he said.
“It’s normal that he’s now a major player in Madrid. He’s well-rounded and works well for the team.
“We have to have an eye on him. He’s the player who generates moves for their attackers.”
