Flick: "It's a day to work hard, fight to win, but also to enjoy it"

Hansi Flick faced the press before FC Barcelona held their official pre-match training session on the eve of the grand final of the Copa del Rey. The coach of the Catalan side wanted to start by highlighting the importance of the clash, stating that "we have to enjoy tomorrow. Real Madrid are a great rival and the pitch looks beautiful. We have to work hard and fight to win, but also enjoy it."

Going on to comment on what tomorrow means for FC Barcelona, the German stressed that "playing the Copa del Rey final is a great experience. In the final there are no favourites, we’re playing against one of the best teams in the world and we want to fight for this title. We want to keep growing and learning and tomorrow is a perfect day for that."

Analysing his team’s style, Flick explained that "we have a very clear idea of how we want to play and I believe in these players. We always fight until the end, and tomorrow will be no different. More than 26,000 people will come to support FC Barcelona, they deserve that we give everything we can to win."

Finally, the coach wanted to highlight the role of the match officials, stating that "this is our sport and it’s our responsibility to protect everyone involved in this game. We need the referees and we must take care of them and respect them."

Listen again to the FC Barcelona press conference on the eve of the final

For his part, Ronald Araujo talked over the cup final, stressing that "tomorrow’s match means a great deal. Another final, the chance to win another trophy and against a great rival like Real Madrid. It’s going to be different from anything we’ve experienced this season. We want to be protagonists and have the ball. The team is very motivated and eager, our mentality is always to go for the win."

Regarding the Catalan side’s rival, the centre-back highlighted that "we’re playing against Real Madrid. They’re a great team with great players. We approach it with a lot of humility, it’s going to be a very difficult match."

When asked about the boldness of his teammates from La Masía, the Uruguayan said that "the youngsters surprise you because they have an incredible calmness. They have risen to the top without any fear, it doesn’t look like they’re going to play a final tomorrow."

Finally, Araujo concluded by highlighting the work of FC Barcelona, explaining that "we have a great team that is doing things very well. The club and our fans deserve that we fight for the title tomorrow."