Flick makes it clear before the Copa del Rey final against Madrid: "Our goal is the three titles"

Hansi Flick appeared this Friday in the press conference prior to the great commitment that FC Barcelona will face this Saturday, April 26 at the Estadio de La Cartuja. The Azulgrana team will play the final of the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid, with the aim of conquering their 32nd Copa title and continue advancing towards the coveted treble this season. In his speech, the German coach addressed several key issues.

The refereeing controversy in the Copa del Rey final

One of the most heated issues was the recent controversy generated by the statements of De Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo González Fuertes —main referee and VAR assistant of the match—, who responded firmly to the pressure campaign exerted from Real Madrid TV against the refereeing group. According to various reports, this would not have pleased the white club, which would be considering requesting the change of the refereeing team.

Hansi Flick did not delve too much into the controversy, but he did reiterate the importance of protecting the referees. "For me it is a sport, it is a game, football. It is our responsibility to protect the players and everyone from this environment. Emotions come into play, but when it ends, you have to leave everything behind. We need the referees, I already said, we have to take care of them because we cannot disrespect them. All the clubs. Coaches and players," he warned.

"We need the referees, I already said, we have to take care of them because we cannot disrespect them. All the clubs. Coaches and players"

"Madrid is fantastic, but we want to win"

Speaking about Real Madrid, the German coach made it clear that he does not expect a commitment similar to the previous matches between both teams this season. "We always adapt the game plan depending on the opponent and tomorrow it will be the same. It's easy to do it that way," he said.

In turn, when asked if he has "taken the measure" of the white team, he responded with restraint: "This is the past. We focus on the present, we have to enjoy the game. They have a fantastic team and they can hurt us, even if we do our job well," he added.

A message of respect and humility

Flick wanted to calm any overconfidence and recalled the need to maintain respect towards Real Madrid: "I want to maintain respect for Real Madrid, they are a great team; but we want to fight against them and win the title. We want to give everything, we don't talk about other things."

He also avoided burdening his team with the role of favorite in this contest: "We have to enjoy, we have a very young team, it is a great experience and we play against one of the best clubs in the world. There are no favorites that are worth it, let the game start now, we are looking forward to it."

🎙️ "We have a very young team and a final is a game to enjoy".

➡️ "In this final there are no favorites. We just want the game to start now and fight for the title".

🗣️ Hansi Flick, coach of @FCBarcelona.#CopaDelReyMAPFRE | #LaCopaMola🏆 pic.twitter.com/qMIPJTBwfF

— RFEF (@rfef) April 25, 2025

The treble is on Flick's mind

The German coach also did not avoid the possibility of achieving the treble this season. "We started a journey at the beginning of the season and we have the opportunity to win three titles. And that is our goal. Although we know it is difficult, Madrid is a fantastic team," he pointed out.

"We have the opportunity to win three titles. And that is our goal"

Ferran, the chosen one to replace Lewandowski

Hansi Flick also confirmed that Ferran Torres will be the replacement for the injured Robert Lewandowski in the attack front: "It doesn't change anything. In the Copa matches he has already shown how well he can play as a '9'. It is a very good position for him. Lewandowski cannot play, but Ferran knows how to do it in this position, as we want. Lamine and Raphinha have to adapt, with other strengths, but nothing changes; I am delighted to have him."

Alejandro Balde, ruled out; surprise with Lamine Yamal

Regarding the already confirmed absence of Alejandro Balde, the Barça coach did not want to reveal who will occupy the left side: "We will see tomorrow".

To close, he praised Lamine Yamal and hinted that he could give some surprise in the final. "He is an incredible player for his age, 17 years old. It will be a surprise for tomorrow, he has something prepared for you, you will see," he concluded.