Mascherano praises Aguirre impact at Espanyol ahead of Barcelona derby

Jan 4, 2013 11:30:00 PM

The former Liverpool and West Ham United midfielder believes Sunday’s clash will be difficult, and also said that it felt great having Tito Vilanova close to the players again

Javier Mascherano has praised the impact of Javier Aguirre on his Espanyol side ahead of Barcelona’s Catalunya derby on Sunday.

The Blaugrana are perched at the top of La Liga and head into the home tie with spirits undoubtedly high after a flawless December, though the former Liverpool midfielder warned his team-mates not to underestimate their hosts.

“On Sunday it will be a difficult game,” the former Liverpool man told Barca TV.

“They are a very difficult opponent. Aguirre has changed the dynamics of Espanyol [and] the picture is very different to what it was with the previous coach [Mauricio Pochettino].”

Mascherano also revealed his relief at Tito Vilanova being back amongst the players, after the head coach was absent from matches during the final month of 2012 after a cancer relapse which required surgery.

“For us, after how we felt before the match against Real Valladolid, it is very important to be close again to Tito,” the Argentine added.

"It is great news for our group.”

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