Javier Mascherano: Winning the title will be harder this season

Javier Mascherano: Winning the title will be harder this season

Javier Mascherano says winning La Liga will be more difficult this season than last year.

As such, he believes Barcelona must improve if they are to keep their grip on the Spanish league title.

"In just the first couple of games la Liga is showing that it's going to be very difficult and very close," he said after Barcelona's 1-0 win over Malaga. 

"The rivals know us better and prevent certain situations on the field, making things difficult for us. We have to take another step forward, give another turn of the screw and keep improving, because we have to build on last year's performance."

He also congratulated Thomas Vermaelen on his goal, which won Barcelona the three points. 

"It's a lovely prize for Vermaelen, for all his work and suffering last season, when he couldn't show his real worth. It's a great prize for all the effort he has put in these last few months; I'm happy for him."