Ninety -four accredited belonging to 65 media Only for the Barça training day demonstrate the expectation of the classic with Madrid. The duel can be crucial for the outcome for the title, but the result will not be definitive to proclaim the champion, although the Barca triumph would clear the unknowns. Hansi Flick's group would enjoy seven points of advantage with nine to be played.
The classic is the epilogue of the international interest in the great duel of the League, both sections of the Champions League final party. The most represented nationality is the Polish, attracted by the first two Poles in the history of Barça. Wojciech Szczesny and Robert Lewandowski. And to the question about the leadership of the goalkeeper in the team compared to Lewandowski and Iñigo, Flick said laughing: “It is calmer and relaxed, sometimes smokes a little”.
Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde and Íñigo Martínez, in a training of training this Saturday. / Javi Ferrándiz / Spo
He did not clarify the head of the team if he has seen him throw some pumps or knows the vice of the goal, which he fails to unwill. “But he is like that, he is the age, he is very relaxed,” He added, without any reprimand to the 35 -year -old starting goal. Nor towards its performance, not even for having fit 14 goals in the last six games.
“Play at the highest level”
The Barça coach did not give symptoms to feel tense and worried on the eve of the classic. Surely because his team starts with advantage in the table and has won the three preceding clashes. Flick denied it: “The classic is the most important game For the fans, for players, for me too, and the coaching staff, and everyone wants to win it. “
The German coach assured that there is not an excess confidence. Milan's disgust has repressed triumphalisms. “After such a game, everyone knows that it is not easy, but we have spoken in the locker room and we know what we have to do,” Flick explained. And what they have to do, he said, is “playing at our maximum level.” The coach understands that an defeated Madrid will not be seen.
Lamine Yamal, in a heating exercise. / Javi Ferrándiz / Spo
The first at home
It will be the first game that Barça plays at home, after the league appointment of Bernabéu (0-4) and two finals in neutral terrain: in Yeda, Arabia, for the Spanish Super Cup (2-5 for Barça) and the final of the Cup of Seville (3-2 Barca). Without the result of this Sunday having the same decision -making character, there is a great portion of the league at stake, “the most honest title” in the opinion of the coach because it designates the best after 38 games.
They will remain, after the crash, three more days. The Barca calendar is more complicated, with two visits to Esmnyol and Athletic, and a home match with Villarreal. Flick continues to consider Madrid, despite the favorable background, “a formidable team”, capable of exerting high pressure, as he has timidly tried in some passages of the matches, but that usually waits for the Catalans to take advantage of the spaces to the backlash.
Vinicius and Iñigo are overwhelmed by Szczesny in the Cup final. / Julio Munoz / EFE
Identity signs
Barça will not change. It will maintain its advanced defense, which is a sign of the identity of the team. Flick wanted to implement that novelty in the Barca game and began to prepare it from the preseason, although he had his doubts. “It is something that involves the entire team, not only to the defensive line,” he clarified about the different levels of pressure to be exerted according to the place where the ball is.
Before perfecting the method, players had to be convinced. To defenses, for example, as Íñigo Martínez, more accustomed throughout his career to defend closer to the goal. A completely different style. “It has adapted, has learned and has given incredible performance and is not easy at age 33,” said Flick, in addition to highlighting the leadership he exercises in the team. There is no record that Iñigo smokes as Szczesny.
