Martino: "If the game were even, I wouldn't bring Messi off"

Martino was happy with the victory and with how Barcelona played: "The ideas that we had talked about with the lads, which are nothing new but haven't been discussed for a while, were on display again. Applying pressure was the most important aspect. The novelty was the period of time that we managed to do it in. These are good signs, but it's still early days. The story has only just begun".

He had a reason behind bringing Messi off: "I've already talked with him about it. The season is very long and has lots of games. Saving a few minutes in four games means a rest of almost a whole game. Since he's bright, we agreed straight away. If the game were even then neither I nor anyone else would bring Messi off. But in a game like today's, which is settled so early, it's important to give players a rest and think about their fitness".

He doesn't want to follow events at Real Madrid: "I'd prefer it if today was already the 35th league game, then I'd be smiling from ear to ear, but it's just the first game. Whoever makes the least mistakes after 35 games will be out in front, but there's no point in seeing how other teams are doing just now".

Neymar started on the bench: "Neymar has joined a new team and after playing at the Confederations Cup. He travelled on Tuesday and we need to take things bit by bit. If we start using him immediately to keep people happy, because they want to see him playing with Messi, we'd be harming our player. There's no rush. He just needs a little longer".