Mascherano: Barcelona have shown we're still the same

09/10/2012 7:25:00 PM

The Argentina international is adamant that the Blaugrana are still a force to be reckoned with, and admitted he's not first choice in defence

Javier Mascherano has insisted that Barcelona are still the same team they were under Pep Guardiola, and added they're determined to build on the successes from the past few seasons.

Many claimed that the Catalans were at the end of a cycle after missing out on the Liga title last term and with Guardiola departing, but Mascherano feels they've already shown that they're still a force to be reckoned with.

"There were people who expressed doubts at the start of the season that we were beginning a new cycle, but we have demonstrated that we are still the same," Mascherano stated to Barca TV.

"This is a team which is full of life and we are determined to carry on doing what we have been doing over the last few seasons."

The Argentine also took the time to discuss his own position at Barcelona, and admitted that he's not first choice for the position of centre-back.

"I’m not the first choice centre-back. I am here so that when something happens, I can go out and do a job."

Mascherano has made 10 official appearances for Barca this season.