‘Copa can correct Barca’s CL exit’

Ernesto Valverde believes Barcelona will ‘make up for the small disappointment’ of their Champions League exit if they win the Copa del Rey.

Barca take on Sevilla in the first Final at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano this Saturday, and the two sides played out a 2-2 draw less than a month ago, before the Catalans were stunned by Roma’s comeback in the Champions League quarter-finals. 

“Sevilla? They have the resources to play in many different ways,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

“The 2-2? It’s a clear reference for us and a warning of what this game may be like. Did that influence our defeat to Roma? I’m not going to make that excuse. We lost for other reasons.

“I’m aware winning at Barca is an obligation and that this is an opportunity to be exploited, but you always have to know that you can lose.

“When you do, you always want to redeem yourself. In this case, after a significant defeat, you look for an equally-significant win.

“We have the opportunity to make up for this small disappointment. It would be something significant for us and the club because they’ve won this trophy for last few years.

“It’s a special match and a great opportunity for us. We’re in a Final and we’re all clear on it being the last step to win a trophy.

“Just because [the players] have won this trophy before doesn’t mean that this one is any less important.

“Cillessen? I see him prepared. He’s a goalkeeper who accepts his [backup] role but has been very good every time he’s played.

“Wenger? I don’t think I’ll be at a club for 22 years. It’s time to rubber-stamp the work we’ve done throughout the season.

“However, it’d be a blow for everyone if we lost. Trophies are valued a lot by big clubs, especially when they’re not won.”

Tags Ernesto Valverde Roma
La Liga - Club News