Jose Manuel Pinto has received the backing of manager Tata Martino after being unexpectedly thrust into the limelight for the crucial final weeks of the season.
The 38 year-old Barcelona goalkeeper has only made 27 leagueappearances in nearly seven years since joining from Celta Vigo, but has now been promoted from his perennial back-up role following a season-ending knee injury to Victor Valdes.
Pinto’s first league start since December comes in today’s local derby at in-form Espanyol.
But the veteran isn’t completely lacking match practice, having played in all eight of Barca’s Copadel Rey fixtures this season to help the team reach next month’s final against Real Madrid.
And boss Martino said: “We already knew that he was going to play in the cup final. Now he’s got another 13 cup finals as well.”
Martino also expressed his sympathy with Valdes, whose Barca career is effectively over after being stretchered off with a turn cruciate knee ligament during Wednesday’s win over Celta Vigo.
Valdes, who announced his decision to leave Barca this summer more than a year ago, has also been ruled out of representing Spain during the forthcoming World Cup Finals, and Martino noted: “We’ve all been affected by it.
“More than anyone, Victor feels it because of what it means with his personal situation, the situation of the team and the World Cup.
“Having said that, the team has confronted difficult situations in the past and, as always, we will show our face and be fortified in this circumstance.”
