Mascherano positive Barcelona can bounce back
Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano believes his side will be able to pick themselves up from recent disappointing results and finish the season strongly.
By FOX SPORTS Staff
The Blaugrana were dominant in the early stages of the season but have of late suffered a blip in their results; the Catalan giants were recently knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Real Madrid, lost to the same opponents in the La Liga on Saturday, and currently trail AC Milan 2-0 in the last-16 of the Champions League.
Nonetheless, Barcelona are still firmly on track to win the La Liga, with the Blaugrana holding a commanding 11 point lead over second placed Atletico Madrid.
And Mascherano remains confident his side can get back on track sooner rather than later.
"We must go back to our best to get good results," Mascherano was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
"When you spend a week or two with bad results, having been knocked out of the Copa del Rey and having lost the Clasico [in La Liga], obviously we are not in a good place.
"Three weeks ago this seemed like Disney, and now it's like the House of Terror! In Madrid, they were down three weeks ago and now it is all happiness.
"The best way is thinking up all that we have, to be positive. We have many things to improve and how we are playing."
Mascherano admits coach Tito Vilanova's absence since December through illness has played a part in their disappointing results but claimed the health of the 44-year-old was the priority.
"We have spoken to him," Mascherano revealed.
"Since he left he has maintained the relationship with the players. I personally talked to him a week ago.
"He is eager to be with us, but the priority is to try to determine the treatment and to be healed. It's the most important thing."
The Argentina international also dismissed suggestions that Barcelona were on the decline.
"If anyone doubts this club, you must review the data of recent years," Mascherano added.
"It is easier to find the problems but these situations make you stronger.
"Success, as a player, can trick you. It makes you feel better and these difficult situations make you stronger."
Barcelona will take on relegation threatened Deportivo La Coruna in their next La Liga fixture.