Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has promised that the Spanish giants will not be caught napping at the Club World Cup in Japan despite struggling to adjust to jet-lag.
European kings Barca face Asian champions Al Sadd in the semi-finals on Thursday after a pulsating 3-1 ‘Clasico’ win at Real Madrid last weekend.
Mascherano told reporters today that the long flight and quick turnaround were tough and Barcelona would not underestimate their Middle Eastern opponents.
«It’s difficult to sleep well,» the former Liverpool enforcer said after training in Yokohama, the bags under his eyes testifying to his problems.
«We are trying to adapt with (sleeping) tablets but it’s difficult,» added the Argentine. «We know the team from Qatar is very physical. They’re strong and have had more time to prepare.
«We played on Saturday and arrived (in Japan) after the game, 13 hours flying. It’s not easy to beat a team like (Al Sadd) in this kind of a tournament.»
Mascherano said Saturday’s win, which pushed the Spanish champions above their fierce rivals at the top of La Liga, had given them an energy boost ahead of their Far East trip.
buenosairesherald.com