Source: Team_Talk
Barca coach Guard-ed over Masch
Pep Guardiola was unwilling to discuss prospective signing Javier Mascherano on Tuesday - but will do if and when he joins Barcelona.[LNB] Liverpool hardman Mascherano was left out of the Reds squad for their 3-0 defeat at Manchester City on Monday night and appears to be on the verge of a move to the Nou Camp.[LNB]And Guardiola admitted the Catalans are interested.[LNB]"I will speak about him when he's here - if he comes," the Barca coach said in a press conference on Tuesday.[LNB]Guardiola, however, refused to reveal whether a deal is close.[LNB]"You'll have to ask (sporting director Andoni) Zubizarreta," he said.[LNB]But the Barca coach did admit he is keen to sign a defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes, and says the signing of such a player would complete the team for the new season.[LNB]"If a defensive midfielder arrives the needs of the team will be resolved. If one arrives I will be satisfied," he said.[LNB]One player set to depart in the next few days is striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with AC Milan reported to be close to agreeing a deal for the former Inter Milan forward.[LNB]The deal to bring Ibrahimovic to the Nou Camp last summer saw Samuel Eto'o go the other way and cost the Spanish side around 66million euros (just over £54million) in total.[LNB]Barca are now set to take a big loss on the player who failed to shine in his first season at the Nou Camp, but Guardiola says he has no regrets about the switch.[LNB]"I don't regret the exchange with Eto'o. You can't go back on the decisions you make," he said.[LNB]Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb is set to leave either permanently or on loan this season, along with youth product Victor Sanchez and Uruguay defender Martin Caceres.[LNB]"We'll have to find a way out for Hleb, Caceres and Victor Sanchez because if they stay, they will not take part very much," Guardiola said.[LNB]Barcelona face Milan in the Gamper trophy on Wednesday night, with Ronaldinho set to return to the club where he played the best football of his career.[LNB]"Ronaldinho's smile changed Barca," Guardiola said. "Few teams can dignify our trophy like Milan."
