Every word from Hansi Flick’s Barcelona vs Real Madrid pre-match press conference | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have one of the most important games of the season awaiting them tomorrow, on Sunday, when they will be facing Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Ahead of this game, the Blaugrana coach, Hansi Flick, addressed his customary pre-match press conference and talked about different aspects of his team, his upcoming rivals, Real Madrid, and the final.

Flick began by highlighting the significance of a Clásico and the opportunity to win a trophy:

“First of all, I think everyone values being in a final against Madrid. It’s a Clásico, and we can win a title. Against Athletic Club, we played as a team, as a unit. That’s what I want to see. We want to show it on the pitch, that’s the most important.”

On Real Madrid, the German coach praised their quality without going into details:

“I always say they have fantastic, world-class players. They have a lot of talent, that’s all I can say. I focus on my team. The important thing is how we will play, how we start the match. We want to win the title.”

Flick confirmed that he has a fully available squad for the final:

“I was very satisfied with Wednesday’s performance. But we also have more options. Frenkie and Eric can play. Gerard Martin is having a fantastic season. Today we have the last training, and we’ll see what we need. Everyone is available. We will decide.”

Flick was clear that the players would be driven to win this game, but did not put too much emphasis on it being the only motivator for the rest of the season:

“I focus on my team. For me, it’s just one match. If you win, you generate confidence for the end of the season. It’s normal. We always think positively. It’s an important match, and we want to show our best version. I have good feelings. The players want to do it for their families, the club, themselves…”

On Real Madrid’s star striker Kylian Mbappé, Flick had high praise:

“Right now, Mbappé is the best striker. He has scored many goals and has world-class talent. We watched the semifinals together, the whole team.”

On the mental approach to a final, he added:

“A final is a final. A match against Madrid is completely different. Everyone wants to watch the Clásico. We will try to give our best version. We don’t listen to those things. The important thing is to be ready tomorrow. We are focused on that. We have confidence and believe we can win.”

He confirmed the team has been preparing for all eventualities, including penalties:

“After training, players usually stay behind to practice penalties. It’s normal.”

Flick welcomed the presence of injured Barcelona players and highlighted squad unity:

“Yes, all players are ready to be in the squad. It’s good to have everyone with us. Especially Gavi and Christensen.”

The German coach also touched upon tactical preparations and the role of key players:

“Full-backs are important positions in modern football. I’m happy to have Balde and Koundé. They played very well against Athletic, but tomorrow is a different match. It’s important that they play at their best level. We need them in attack and defense.”

Flick added that final preparations will decide the lineup:

“We’ll see, we’ll decide after the last training. The important thing is that we have options in all positions, and all are good. Everyone wants to play and be a starter. The key is the team. We have to make a good decision.”

On the mental approach to a final, he emphasized focus rather than revenge:

“For my part, I don’t like it. It was just one game. After that, we came back and are focused on what’s necessary. We played much better and got better results. It was just one match. We are Barcelona, and we want to win everything. That’s what matters. I see my team very focused. It’s a long road until the end of the season. Tomorrow we play against one of the best teams in the world, and we have to show how good we are.”

On the mental approach to a final and Barcelona being the favorites:

“No, it’s a final. We want to win the final. Before Athletic, two matches separated us from the title. Now it’s one. That’s what we have to think about. 90 minutes to give our all, our 100%. To play as a team.”

Regarding the atmosphere and facilities in Saudi Arabia, Flick was impressed:

“I appreciate the atmosphere we had in the match against Athletic. It was great. The pitch is good, the training fields are good, the stadium is incredible.”

Finally, Flick stressed the importance of enjoying the match for both players and fans:

“Madrid has a fantastic team, but so do we. Everyone wants to win the title. Everyone will be watching the match. That’s what we have to think about. Our responsibility is to enjoy it and make our fans enjoy it too.”

Flick added that his team’s philosophy and preparation will guide them rather than focusing solely on opponents:

“How many Clásicos have we played in the last year and a half? And how many have we lost? We’ve lost one. That’s it. I know Mbappé is a fantastic player and is phenomenal when he has space behind the defense. We will adapt some things, as we always do. But not specifically because of Mbappé. We focus on our philosophy, on our ideas.”

Hopefully, Barcelona will put on another entertaining performance tomorrow, as they did in the match against Athletic Club, and wrap up their tour of Saudi Arabia with another trophy.