Holding midfielder Javier Mascherano is not someone you would refer to as a "soft" player. Often praised for his hard work ethics, the Blaugrana player revealed today that it's hard for him to enjoy his job, since there's so much at stake every time he goes into the pitch.
"I disagree with those who claim they go on the pitch and have fun. I don't go out there and have a good time, because you have to be focused all the time. You have to do that since you have to answer to all the hard work you and your team-mates are providing on the pitch. I enjoy myself during training sessions, learning from others, but I suffer when I have to go on the pitch," Mascherano stated.
Prior to tonight's match against Ecuador, Mascherano believes that there's something that no one has considered when it comes to criticizing La Albiceleste and their lack of silverware despite their talent.
"You need time to work with your team-mates, and you don't have it with the National team. If you look back to the two most recent World Champions, you will see that Spain had seven players from Barcelona, and Germany had six or seven from Bayern Munich. We don't have that here, so it takes time to connect," the midfielder added.
"Benítez is a wonderful person"
Mascherano and Benitez, during their stint with Liverpool.
Known for having a great relationship with Real Madrid's boss Rafa Benitez, Mascherano revealed he still keeps in touch with his former boss, but their communication is not as frequent as it used to be since he joined Los Blancos this summer.
"He got me out of a well 65 feet under the ground and took me to the top. Our relationship hasn't changed a bit, but it's kind of awkward. He's a wonderful person, a great coach to learn from, and I'm sure everything will be the same when he leaves Real Madrid or I leave Barcelona. We still keep in touch nowadays, but not as frequently as we ued to," the player concluded.
Argentina will face Ecuador during Matchday One of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Argentina 0 - 2 Ecuador
October 8, 2015 8:00pmEstadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti (Capital Federal, Ciudad de Buenos Aires)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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