Nekounam picks Barca to win el Classico part I

Iran international midfielder Javad Nekounam scored a goal in his La Liga club’s 3-3 draw with Real Valladolid.

Osasuna had a 3 goal advantage at some point, but somehow managed to throw it all away and settle for a single point. As a result they remain bottom last on the table.

In a telephone interview Nekounam suggested that he may not be able to join Team Melli unless Osasuna coaching staff gives him the permission to do so during their winter break.

Nekounam was optimistic about Osasuna’s chances of digging themselves out of the danger zone. He also down played the fact that his fellow countryman and Team Melli member, Masoud Shojaei, did not get any playing time in the Valladolid game.

Click here to read match report and watch highlights

When asked about Andalusia and Basque selects which will play friendlies with Team Melli later this month in Spain, he praised the Basque Select, but claimed little knowledge about the strengths or weaknesses of the Andalusian team; he just stressed the fact that there are Spanish internationals on both teams.

When asked to predict the coming weekend’s El Classico result, Nekounam was clearly leaning towards Barcelona.

“Barca is in great form. Here most people are predicting a Barca victory, and I agree with them”, said the midfielder. “Real are in bad shape. They are missing too many players due to injuries. The intensity of the competition and the crowded calendar has taken its toll on them.”