Javier Mascherano promises Barcelona fans the side will fight back against Athletic Bilbao

Javier Mascherano has promised Barcelona fans that the team will do all they can to turn around their Supercopa tie against Athletic Bilbao.

La Blaugrana were humbled 4-0 in the first leg at San Mames on Thursday but the midfielder – reiterating his post-match sentiments – is of the belief that La Blaugrana can wipe out the deficit and remain on course for the sextuple.

“The players have to be convinced that they can come back from this,” he said at a press conference ahead of Monday’s decider in Catalonia. “It’s a very important challenge for all of us, and it’s us who have to prove [that we want the Supercopa] to the fans.

“At San Mames, we didn’t have a good game, but the result was exaggerated in light of how the match panned out. As of [Saturday], the team are focused on leaving Bilbao behind and trying to turn the tie around. We have reasons to believe."

“When you play for a big club, you have to be prepared for both criticism and praise. We have to improve and minimise our defensive lapses. If we can do that, we’ll be back to our usual level."

“We’re facing our opponents with a deficit, but we’re prepared. We must be effective [in front of goal]. The first thing we must do is respect our opponents and know who we’re playing. "

“Being given the captaincy fills me with joy, but my role is always the same as always. I give my all for the team.”

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