Coach prepared for the Seville game despite international concerns.
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino is confident in his side’s ability to dispatch Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday.
Factoring in the return of a a squad full of jaded internationals Martino believes his side have what it takes to win, aided by the return of captain Carles Puyol.
Speaking to Goal.com, Martino praised his skipper: “Puyol’s return means we have the centre-back we all wanted – I’m very happy about it. The captain is back.”
“He is at the end of his recovery, he could be back in full training ahead of next week’s game against Real Sociedad.”
The Nou Camp boss explained his decision to omit Pedro from this weekend’s game.
“Pedro has played two games with Spain, that’s why he’s rested this time, He’s fine now, but we need him for the next nine or ten months.
“Messi and Neymar made long trips but they have trained very well – we’ll see how they feel tomorrow and see if they can complete the game.”
The former Paraguay head-coach also had some interesting points to make on Neymar’s style of play, claiming the Brazilian starlet can make opponents think rashly.
“Neymar’s style can invite the opponent to use violence,” added Martino in response to suggestions that the Brazil international was on the end of some heavy challenges in his country’s clash with Portugal in midweek.
“I told him he should keep on playing that way, though, as they’ll respect him more. I don’t want Neymar to play one good game, one good season or one good World Cup – I want for him to have a long career.”
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