Mascherano is undoubtedly one of the superstars in world football. After retiring, “Little Masche” took over as coach of Argentina’s Olympic team. Recently, ahead of leading his team to the Paris Olympics, Mascherano gave an exclusive interview to Clank.Media, opening up about his time at Barcelona, conflicts with River Plate, and amusing incidents after becoming a coach.
About his experience becoming a coach: Mascherano: I always had a clear understanding that my professional playing career would not extend past 36 years old. In the final few years of my playing career, I was consistently preparing to become a coach. Bielsa was one of the most influential coaches I’ve encountered; meeting him as an opponent during the Olympic qualifiers was a remarkable feeling.
About his days playing for River Plate: Mascherano: Playing for River Plate was tough. Back then, being called up by the national team was my way out. In 2006, when I returned to El Monumental with Corinthians to play against River Plate, the fans cheered me in an unbelievable manner, but I was sent off in that game. When I faced River Plate as a Barcelona player in 2015, I made a mistake by not paying tribute to the River Plate fans. I tried to forget everything, but I knew deep down that I was wrong. I understood clearly that there was no turning back, that I had accepted the fact that people would hate me for life. They had reason to hate me because I lacked respect.
His experience representing Argentina in the World Cup: Mascherano: For us, the 2014 World Cup final was unique. We grew stronger in the tournament from a position of weakness. The 2018 World Cup was the worst major tournament I have ever participated in. I did not meet my own expectations, leaving with great sorrow after the World Cup. At that point, we were already entangled in a web of intrigue.
The beginning and end of his departure from Barcelona: Mascherano: During the 2016/17 season, I became a substitute for Pique and Umtiti, but I understood that playing 25-30 games for a club like Barcelona was better than playing 50 games elsewhere. When Valverde arrived in 2017, I had a conversation with him. I told him that if I was sidelined from the start, I would consider leaving because it was a World Cup year, and I needed to play. At 33-34 years old, without consistent matches, your rhythm disappears. He told me that he was well aware that he had three center-backs but only two positions. After the league started, I found myself playing less than expected. In the first two matches for the Argentine national team against Uruguay and Venezuela, I only played against Venezuela. We drew, making our qualification more complicated. In the last match of the year against Nigeria, I got injured. When I returned to Barcelona, I realized I needed to leave to maintain match continuity for the next six months. I planned to stay in Europe from January to June 2018, but Barcelona told me they wouldn’t let me go anywhere in Europe. That’s when a big contract offer came from China. I considered it, but ultimately, Barcelona accepted it because they received a high transfer fee.
Criticism of Messi: Mascherano: He is adored worldwide, but he didn’t receive the love he wanted most (in Argentina). However, this is just the opinion of a minority, even though sometimes the opposition can be loud. As things unfold, you view everything differently. Without the footage captured by the cameras during the Copa America final, people wouldn’t know much about Leo.