Masch keen on El Clasico role

Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano admits he is unlikely to appear in Monday’s clash against Real Madrid but is hopeful of playing a part in the match.

The former Liverpool playmaker has struggled to maintain a spot in Pep Guardiola’s starting 11, edged out by Sergio Busquets for a spot for the Catalans, but has started in their past two games including their 3-0 victory over Panathinaikos in the Champions League.

But Mascherano admitted Busquets was ahead of him in the pecking order although he hoped to play up to a similar level should he be substituted for his team-mate in El Clasico.

“The fact I have been in the team for the past two games does not mean anything,” he said.

“I am clear that Sergio is the owner of the shirt due to everything he has done in recent years and I will try to do my best to help the team so they do not notice an absence as important as his.”

Mascherano said his side have the slight edge playing the season’s first Clasico at the Camp Nou.

“We are playing at home, in front of our people who will give us an extra push but we know that we are facing a great team that is playing well,” he said.

“Real Madrid are not leading the table by chance. They have great players, players with lots of quality in midfield and attackers with a great deal of punch.”

Despite tactical discrepancies switching from Rafael Benitez at Anfield to Guardiola, Mascherano said he is beginning to get accustomed to a different role in the middle of the park.

“Every day that passes I feel more comfortable here and closer to the levels I reached at other clubs,” he said.

“I have not played in a 4-3-3 formation that often and that, despite playing in my usual position, makes it a little different.”