Flick Urges Barcelona Players To Enjoy Cup Final Against Madrid

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has urged his players to enjoy playing the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on Saturday.

The Blaugrana are looking to add a second trophy to the Super Cup they won against Ancelotti’s men in January.

Barcelona won the two Clasicos this season, triumphed 4-0 in LaLiga last October, and then 5-2 in the final in Saudi Arabia.

Flick said his team are not necessarily favourites, while urging the young players to enjoy the clash.

He said: “We have to enjoy it, we have a really young team – this is a great experience, playing this final, against one of the best teams in the world. A final is different, it’s not about favourites.

“We want to start the match tomorrow and we want to fight for this title. We know it will be tough and they have a fantastic team. We are up against one of the best sides in the world. I want us to respect Real Madrid.

“We started a journey at the beginning of the season and we want to fight for every title we can win.

“We have the opportunity to win three titles and this is our goal. But we know it’s difficult because we play against Real Madrid and they have a fantastic team.”

Barcelona’s trio of young stars, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, and Pedri have been impressive this season, leading their treble charge.

Captain Ronald Araujo said he is surprised by the maturity of the young stars from the famed La Masia Academy.

He said: “I’m surprised by how incredible their mentality is. It’s as if we are not playing a final tomorrow, they are so calm… these kids are from La Masia, it’s surprised me a lot.

“Not just Cubarsi, Lamine, Fermin (Lopez), also (Hector) Fort, everyone… they’re incredible. The guys from La Masia are amazing, they have no fear.”

Barcelona will be without their top scorer Robert Lewandoski, who has scored 40 goals in all competitions this season.

Flick Urges Barcelona Players To Enjoy Cup Final Against Madrid is first published on The Whistler Newspaper