Barca’s era of glory coming to an end -Mascherano

Javier Mascherano has told El Grafico that he believes Barcelona’s current cycle of success will come to an end in the not too distant future.

Barca have dominated Spanish football and enjoyed great success in Europe during the last decade under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, and new coach Ernesto Valverde has them five points clear in La Liga and safely through to the Champions League knockout rounds.

But Mascherano says all good things must come to an end. “This Barca era [of success] is still not over, but it’s getting closer. I’m clear on that,” he said.

“I believe that all eras have to come to an end in life and Barca’s is close to its end — I think I know when, but I’m not going to say!”

Mascherano’s own spell with the club is coming to a more imminent end, with the Argentina defender telling ESPN last week that his time at Camp Nou was reaching its conclusion.

Over the weekend, Catalunya Radio reported that he is already informed the club that he does not plan to stay beyond the end of the current season, despite having a contract until 2019.

Mundo Deportivo has even suggested, with the World Cup next summer, he would be open to leaving in January in order to play regular football before Russia.

But the injury to Samuel Umtiti, who will be out for the next two months with a torn hamstring, may force him to change his plans.

Mascherano is currently sidelined with an injury, too, but should return in the coming weeks.

Once back, he will be needed in the middle of the back four, where Valverde currently only has Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermaelen available.

Barca have tough away games against Villarreal and Real Madrid before the end of the year and could have as many as eight games in January if they continue to progress in the Copa del Rey.

Frank Jumbo with Agency Report