Copa Del Rey Final
Barcelona, the Thirty times Copa Del Rey Champions is set to face Athletic Bilbao in the Cup Final tonight. Barca, after a disappointing UCL exit, eliminated by Paris Saint Germain with an immense performance from the Worldcup Winner Kyline Mbappe are about to face Athletic Bilbao in Copa Del Rey final tonight Estadio La Cartuja. Although Barcelona lost their last match against Real Madrid. Barcelona Manager Ronal Koeman believes the team’s spirit is high and might win the final. Koeman states that Athletic is a complicated team as they beat Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup in February 2020.
Ronald Koeman, Manager of Barcelona FC since 2020 August.
Meanwhile Pique received the medical green light to play tonight. The Spanish defender wasn’t playing properly since last year due to his discomfort in his knee. he is expected to play tonight on the Copa Del Rey final for Barcelona. This is a crucial match for Barca as it is the first Cup final after the trophyless season last year. It is frustating for the fans as Barca behaved like a toxic girlfriend.
Ronald Koeman’s press conference ahead of tonight’s Copa del Rey final with Athletic Club.
Koeman: “They’re a very competitive team. They beat us in the Spanish Super Cup. We have to be well with the ball, but above all, be well without the ball.”
Koeman: “Piqué is ready to play tomorrow.”
Koeman: “In January, the team’s situation was worse. We’ve improved in many things. I never think about my future if a game is won or lost. The most important thing is to put energy into the team to win the title.”
Koeman: “The approach is always the same, with 3 or 4 defenders. It’s always to dominate the game, try to play between the lines, play on the wing, be solid defensively. We have to play with energy.”
Koeman: “I spoke with Laporta and he has shown me his confidence. If someone writes that my future is at stake… It’s not necessary that the president always has to go out to deny that. I know where I am, at Barcelona.”
Koeman: “Athletic Club are a fighting team, strong from set pieces, we have to look for our weapons and stop theirs. We have to improve with and without the ball.”
Koeman: “We need all the players to be at 100% tomorrow. There are several players with a lot of experience playing and winning many finals. That should be of help for the youngsters, who must learn from the lost final of the Super Cup.”
Koeman: “I don’t see Leo particularly motivated for this final because he’s a great player, a great professional and he knows how to prepare for important games. He will be at his best to lift the Cup tomorrow.”
Koeman: “We have enough experience against them to know how to face this match.”
Koeman: “We always attack, with many players in front of the ball and that’s why it’s very important how a defender is positioned when we have the ball in attack. The important thing for us is to be hungry to attack.”
Koeman: “Muniain? He’s an important player for Athletic Club. It will be a difficult game.”
Koeman: “My job at stake if we lose tomorrow? It’s a bit strange that I need to answer these type of questions because we had a run of 19 games without losing. We’re losing one game and I already need to talk about my future?”
High hopes for Barcelona lets see what the football got to it.
