Flick talks Ferran, Yamal, Raphinha, Martin, Ancelotti ahead of Barcelona vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

In his very first season at the helm, Hansi Flick is set to lead Barcelona in their second finals of the campaign on Saturday as they take on Real Madrid in Copa del Rey.

The German tactician has already masterminded a 5-2 win over Los Blancos in the Spanish Super Cup final in January earlier this year, winning his first trophy with the Catalan giants.

Now, he will be aiming to lift his second trophy in the form of the Copa del Rey when the two teams lock horns at Estadio de La Cartuja on Saturday night.

Ahead of the contest, Flick addressed the media in his customary pre-match press conference, discussing various matters, including team selection.

Kicking things off, the Barcelona manager gave his opinion on Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, the referee for tomorrow’s match, breaking into tears earlier today in his press conference, saying:

“I don’t know what to say about the referees, it’s a sport, it’s a game, the responsibility is to protect the players. It’s not right to talk. There are emotions. You have to take care of the referees. They can’t be disrespected. Everyone, clubs, players, coaches.”

On whether he has some special strategy and preparation for the finals against Real Madrid, Flick replied:

“We always adapt the match plan depending on the game and the opponent. Nothing more than that. It will be the same this time.”

With Robert Lewandowski ruled out through injury, Flick confirmed that Ferran Torres is set to start in the No. 9 role, stating that the Spaniard has done well in the position.

“He has already shown how well he plays there, against Betis, against Valencia in the Copa. It’s a good position for him. Lewandowski is not playing, it doesn’t affect Lamine or Raphinha in the way they play,” said Flick.

With Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti under extreme pressure coming into the game, Flick was asked if the Italian had more at stake than him.

“It’s the same for me. We all want to win. That’s what we work for and that’s what we are coaches for. For our 26,000 fans…,” he replied.

Flick ready for Copa del Rey final. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

On whether having beaten Real Madrid twice this season gives them an advantage, the Barça head coach added:

“It’s the past. We have to focus on the now. Enjoy the finale. Madrid have a fantastic team and they can hurt us. I want to see my team fighting for the title.”

“For me, the important thing is to have respect for the rival. Madrid are a great team and a great club, but we want to win it. We want this title. We don’t talk about other things,” he added.

On who will start at left-back in the final tomorrow, Flick noted: “Gerard Martin? We’ll see tomorrow….”

Soon after the cup final, Barcelona will play another high-stakes encounter against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League semi-final next week.

“We’ll see… it’s very positive to get to play in a final. We want to be there. That’s how we live it,” said Flick on that.

On Lamine Yamal being ready to play his 99th match tomorrow for Barcelona, at the age of only 17, the Barcelona boss said:

“Lamine is an incredible player at his age. He has something special for you, you’ll see….”

Regarding the treble ambitions, he added: “We started a journey at the beginning of the season and we have the opportunity to win three titles. And that is our objective. Although we know it’s difficult, Madrid are a fantastic team.”

Concluding, Flick said: “We have to enjoy being there. We have a very young team and it’s a great experience. A final is always different and there is no favourite.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo