Javier Mascherano: 'We want to silence critics'

Javier Mascherano has revealed that Barcelona are out to 'silence their critics' this season.

The Spanish champions have been widely criticised in recent months for a perceived change in playing style under Argentine boss Gerardo Martino.

However, they are in a strong position ahead of the second leg of their last-16 Champions League clash with Manchester City on Wednesday, holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg in Manchester.

"Clubs as big as Barcelona have to win titles, but the obligation is to get to this stage of the competition and fight, which is what we're doing," he told reporters at a press conference.

"People hope to kill us off, but we're not dead yet. It's not our aim to silence the critics, it's to get back to playing the way we have over all these years. Getting back to our best version is what gives us the possibility of fighting for three competitions.

"People want us to believe all is lost, but we know that's not the case at all. To achieve, we must do things the best way we can and tomorrow is a great opportunity to do that."

Barcelona were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League by Bayern Munich last season.