Young Barcelona side urged by Flick to 'enjoy' Copa del Rey final fight against Real Madrid
The Catalans, eyeing a potential quadruple this season, are targeting the Copa del Rey following their Spanish Super Cup triumph in January – also against Real Madrid.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has called on his youthful side to embrace the challenge and "enjoy" facing rivals Real Madrid in Saturday's Copa del Rey final in Seville.
The Catalans, eyeing a potential quadruple this season, are targeting the Copa del Rey following their Spanish Super Cup triumph in January – also against Real Madrid.
Barcelona have had the better of their rivals in this season's encounters, securing a 4–0 victory in La Liga last October and a 5–2 win in the Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. However, Flick was quick to dismiss the idea that his team were favourites.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"We have to enjoy it; we have a really young team," Flick said during a press conference on Friday. "This is a great experience, playing in a final against one of the best teams in the world.
"A final is different – it's not about who is the favourite. We want to start strong tomorrow and fight for this title."
Real Madrid have endured a difficult campaign, having been eliminated from the Champions League by Arsenal in the quarter-finals, and currently trail Barcelona by four points at the top of La Liga.
Flick's vibrant squad is spearheaded by 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, supported by an exciting group of young talents including Pau Cubarsí, Gavi, and Pedri.
Barcelona captain Ronald Araújo praised the fearless mentality of the club's young stars ahead of the final.
"I'm surprised by how incredible their mentality is," said Araújo. "It's as if we're not playing a final tomorrow – they are so calm.
"These kids from La Masia, it's surprised me a lot. Not just Cubarsí and Lamine, but also Fermín López, Héctor Fort – all of them. They are incredible. The lads from La Masia are amazing; they have no fear."
