German coach Hansi Flick, manager of FC Barcelona, confirmed that the Spanish Super Cup competition has a special character and is completely different from the tournaments he used to play in during his coaching career in Germany, stressing the importance of this tournament in shaping the Catalan team’s season.
In his press conference, Flick noted that the club has previous memories in Saudi Arabia, the host country for the event, and that Barcelona is eager to return to the podium in Riyadh. The German coach explained that winning the Super Cup is no accident; it requires double the effort and high mental focus throughout the match. He emphasized his awareness that Barcelona fans worldwide expect nothing less than victories and titles, which places a significant responsibility on the coaching staff and players to achieve this primary objective.
The difficulty of facing the Basque Lions
Speaking about their upcoming opponent, Flick said: "Facing Athletic Bilbao won't be easy. We're well aware of their talented players, their immense physical strength, and their high level of tactical organization." He added: "We must be at our peak, both mentally and physically, and deliver a much sharper and more effective performance than we showed in the last match. Our team has players with exceptional speed and individual skill, and they understand the value of the Barcelona shirt and the importance of bringing the trophy home.".
The importance of the Spanish Super Cup and the history of Barcelona
The Spanish Super Cup has gained increasing importance in recent years after its format was changed to a "Final Four" with four participating teams, which has intensified the competition. Barcelona is the most successful club in the competition's history, making them the favorite and the primary contender for the title. This tournament presents a golden opportunity for coach Hansi Flick to solidify his position with the team and gain the fans' trust early on, as winning a title mid-season provides a tremendous morale boost for the players as they continue their campaigns in La Liga and the Champions League.
Tactical and physical context
Historically, matches between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao are fiercely contested and exciting, with the Basque side known for its high-pressing and direct style of play, which has often troubled even the biggest teams. Therefore, Flick's emphasis on "mental readiness" stems from his understanding that such matches are decided by small details and individual errors, especially given the intense public and media pressure surrounding the tournament, which enjoys widespread global attention due to being held in the Kingdom.
Contracts file: Joao Cancelo
Regarding the transfer market and squad reinforcements, Flick made no secret of his strong desire to bolster the defense, concluding, "We are very keen to sign João Cancelo, but the deal is not yet officially finalized. He is a player with great technical ability and extensive international experience, capable of helping the team and providing attacking and defensive solutions in every match." Cancelo is a key player Flick is looking for to implement his style, which relies on attacking full-backs capable of making a difference in the final third of the pitch.
