Mascherano says team believes they can come back

The Argentine admits the squad face a challenge and recognises that Athletic will make it difficult

Javier Mascherano spoke to the press on Sunday ahead of the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup second leg against Athletic Club. The Argentine said of the task facing his side after the defeat in San Mamés on Friday: "The team has to believe we can do it." He added: "It will be difficult but it is an important challenge and nobody has ever done it….[…] I have seen the game again and it wasn't normal that they created so many chances against us. That’s why I said that we did not play well. We were punished for the odd mistake. Now we have to think about how we can turn things around."
Mascherano has no doubt about the atmosphere in the dressing room: "The feeling we can turn it around comes from the whole squad. We really think we have a chance." He continued: "We know it is a final and that our opponents will come to defend their four goal lead. We have to be sharp in front of goal." Mascherano was positive despite the first leg: "The team is focused on the comeback because we have the tools to do it."

Some of Mascherano's other answers in the press room:

"The fans have to play the same role as in recent years. In big matches they have always been behind us and they have helped us to plenty of important wins. We have had games at home where the fans have been the number 12. We have to show to the fans from the first minute that we can come back. If they see that then they will get behind us."

"The coach is convinced that the team can come back in the tie. He, as the leader of the squad, is more sure than anyone."

"We are the ones responsible for the defeat, just as we were responsible for winning the treble three months ago."

"We have to avoid mistakes. Tomorrow it is vital that they don't score."

"Messi make me confident. I see him convinced we can come back and I hope he has a great day because that could help us win the trophy."

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