Mascherano: "Espanyol have improved a lot under their new manager"

Javier Mascherano sat down with Barça TV to talk about FC Barcelona’s next opponent in La Liga, Espanyol, after this morning’s open-door training session at the Miniestadi.

“The holidays went well. Now we have get back into our usual routine so we can prepare for the match against Espanyol, they will be a very difficult rival to beat. Besides the fact that they need the points, they’ve improved a lot with their new manager. Their dynamic has changed and they’ll want to put in a good performance in the derby,” said the Argentine.

Mascherano went on to talk about Tito Vilanova’s early return to training: “We couldn’t have imagined such a swift return from Tito, he looks really good.” The Argentine concluded that the manager’s return “is another success” for the team.”