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The head coach of "Barcelona", Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who held a press conference, reviewed the situation in the team before the start of the national championship.
On Sunday, the Catalan club will begin their Primera matches with a game at their home Camp Nou stadium against Valencia's "Levante", and the new team strategist emphasized that a winning start will be crucial for his players.
"Since I arrived here, I am satisfied with absolutely everything. Now the most important thing is that the team plays well and wins. We will try to make everything work from the very first matches," said the Argentine.
According to the coach, unlike before, the team's lineup will be announced one day before the official matches start.
"Tata" Martino also expressed his joy that midfielders Cesc Fabregas and forward Lionel Messi have received medical clearance to play with full force, and he also reassured that captain Carles Puyol is eagerly waiting to rejoin the team.
"I am well aware of the situation the team was in last year, when defenders kept getting injured one after another. If Carles can play, we still have Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra, Adriano, Javier Mascherano, as well as Sergio Busquets. That should be enough, and if not, well, the winter transfer window is just a few months away," pondered "Tata" Martino, apparently implying that Barcelona will likely not buy a central defender this summer.
The situation of the newcomer to the Catalan club, Neymar, was also not left unmentioned.
The player was diagnosed with mild anemia and prescribed treatment with vitamins to restore the iron levels in his blood. In addition, the footballer lost six kilograms in weight after the Confederations Cup and tonsil surgery.
Although the Brazilian himself claims to feel great, "Tata" Martino is not planning to rush things: "I want him to be patient and calm. That's what I asked of him. Let's not forget that Neymar arrived not in his best sporting form. Now it is very important that he properly adapts to the new environment. He is a great player, plays confidently one-on-one, feels comfortable in training. The only thing left is to find the right place for him in the team."
