Barcelona president praises Flick, squad ahead of Copa del Rey final – ‘That’s why we’re so proud’ | OneFootball

As excitement around the Copa del Rey final goes into fever pitch, Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke to the media about the contest against Real Madrid.

Laporta talked about Barcelona’s ambition and the road ahead, as well as their hunger to win the Copa del Rey.

Laporta’s message ahead of Copa del Rey final

Talking about all the controversy around Real Madrid heading into the final, Laporta opted to only talk about Barcelona.

“We want this final to be the embodiment of the true essence of football: there’s passion, there’s extreme competition, there’s massive crowd and tourist attendance, and there’s a fantastic spectacle. And that’s exactly what we want it to be,” he said (h/t Jijantes)

The Barcelona president went on to address the hunger and the desire to win the Copa Del Rey, especially among all the youth graduates who are now key members of the team.

Laporta also heaped praise on Hansi Flick and the project he has built at Barça so far this season.

“What Flick is doing and what our players are doing makes the entire Barcelona fanbase excited,” the Barcelona president remarked.

“They have a great desire to play in the final, and we are all here confident that with the talent they possess and the collective effort they are providing, we will have a great chance,” he added.

Laporta is ecstatic about the Copa Del Rey final (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“As you know, we have a very strong desire to play this final, and we have an even greater desire to win it,” he added.

Finally, Laporta talked about how the Barcelona team is now full of youth graduates and how it helps build a strong bond between the players and the club.

“Relying on players who graduated from the club’s academy is the cornerstone of our sporting project,” he proclaimed.

Continuing, Laporta stated: “It’s not just that they’ve made it to the first team, but that they’ve become an integral part of the core group of 16 or 17 players who currently represent the team. This is a source of pride.

“You know, this philosophy is what makes the club sustainable and viable. And that’s why we’re so proud.”

“It also brings the players so close to the fans, and I think that feeling is being felt very strongly within the club right now thanks to this bond,” he concluded.

Barcelona are indeed going to rely heavily on their young players to get them through another Clasico, with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Pedri occupying key roles in Flick’s setup.