Guadalajara coach excited to face Lamine Yamal and Barcelona – ‘A dream come true ‘ | OneFootball

As Barcelona prepare for their upcoming Copa del Rey encounter against CD Guadalajara, the build-up has taken on an emotional and deeply human tone thanks to the words of Guadalajara head coach Pere Marti. 

The former Villarreal midfielder, now tasked with leading an underdog side against one of world football’s biggest institutions, offered a refreshingly honest and heartfelt perspective during an interview with MARCA.

Marti began by reflecting on the moment the draw was made, especially given the difficult situation he inherited when he first arrived at the club. 

Looking back on how far Guadalajara have come, he admitted that the draw brought genuine joy rather than fear. 

“Very happy and excited. We arrived here last year and the club was in a bit of a mess, and a year and a half later, we’re in a different league, and now we’re lucky enough to play against Barcelona.”

A Barcelona fan

When asked which opponent he personally hoped to face in the competition, Marti did not hide his lifelong emotional connection to the Catalan club. 

Pere Marti is looking forward to facing Barcelona. (Photo credit: X/@deporguada)

“I’ve always been a Barça fan, ever since I was a kid. And it’s also a bit of what the club wanted; not for any particular reason, but because we’re very close to Madrid. It’s a dream come true.”

The conversation then shifted to the players, and Marti was asked whether there was anyone in his squad he would trade for a Barcelona star. 

Remaining loyal to his own group while acknowledging Barça’s quality, he explained, 

“It would be difficult for me to play in this team because I think we have very good players. From Barça, I like Pedri.”

On the emotional challenge of the match itself, Marti was clear that the occasion should be embraced rather than feared. 

“It’s a game to enjoy and, obviously, to compete in, because in this sport nobody likes to lose. 

“We’re going to go out there and try to win, and hopefully the best players will be there so we can enjoy them too.”

Asked about his personal idol growing up, Marti revealed the Barcelona legend who inspired him as a youngster. 

“Ivan de la Pena. I even had the same haircut as him. He was a special player, like Pedri, with those passes to Ronaldo,” he explained.

A request from the family

Off the pitch, the significance of the tie is just as strong. Marti confirmed that his family will be present for the occasion, sharing a touching anecdote about his children. 

Pere Marti’s daughters are fans of Pedri and Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“Yes, of course they’re coming. And my daughters have already asked me for Lamine and Pedri’s jerseys.”

Turning back to the tactical challenge ahead, Marti outlined what his team must do to compete with Barcelona’s quality. 

“We need to be really motivated. We need to play a very serious, tough game, make things difficult for them, not be afraid, and be brave.” 

He expanded further on that mindset, adding, “That doesn’t mean we’re going to do crazy things, but you’re going to find yourself in situations where you have to make decisions. 

“If those decisions are based on fear, they often end up hurting you.”

Finally, when asked whether he would prefer to see Lamine Yamal rested, Marti gave a response that perfectly summed up his love for the game. 

“No. It’s better if he plays. It would be wrong not to see him on the pitch,” he admitted.