FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will define the champion of the Spanish Super Cup (8:00 PM) this Sunday, January 11th. In the preview of the Clásico in Jeddah, Joan Laporta valued the importance of the final against the 'merengues', as a victory usually gives a psychological and confidence boost to the winner for the second half of the season.
"We're very eager to win this title. We've deservedly reached the final. Whenever we've won the Super Cup, we generally win more titles. It sets the tone for the season. We're very focused," the Barcelona president began.
In that regard, although he highlights the great moment of a Barça that arrives on a roll for the Clásico, with nine consecutive victories, 'Jan' dismisses favoritism and understands that Madrid remains a formidable opponent
"The two teams will use their strengths to win. Our team spirit is superior to the rival's, but they also have the ability to win, as was seen in the semifinal, although Atlético deserved more."
Maximum excitement for the Super Cup and confidence in Barça's talent
In addition, Laporta made it clear that the last result at the Bernabéu (2-1), beyond generating a desire for revenge, increases the morale to beat their lifelong rivals. "There is maximum enthusiasm to win this title, to play well and to bring joy to the Culés. Hopefully, we win tomorrow and celebrate as always, with joy and having fun."
In turn, he praised Hansi Flick's current Barça team and the confidence the team shows on the field. "We are arriving at the final strong, we played a great game against Athletic, and we are convinced that if we play with the same intensity, we can win it."
Relations Between Barça and Madrid Broken
On the other hand, Joan Laporta acknowledged that relations between Barça and Madrid are going through a complicated moment. Barça's departure from the Super League project and its subsequent return to the European Club Association led the 'White House' to reinforce its stance against the Catalans over the 'Negreira case'
"Relations with Real Madrid are bad, they are broken. There are different issues that have distanced us. If we were already bitter and eternal rivals, now a situation is occurring that has caused relations to be broken," argued the president of FC Barcelona.
Respect for Florentino and the club's stance
Beyond the tensions of recent months, Laporta reiterated his respect and "utmost cordiality" towards Florentino Pérez and Real Madrid's board. 'Jan' regretted that the 'Merengue' president once again declined to attend the event organized by the RFEF prior to the final, but he remains open to improving relations in the future.
"(Florentino) is free to do as he pleases. We have the utmost respect for the rival and its representatives. We have always acted with institutional harmony," Laporta stated. Pérez was not present at the semifinal against Atlético, but he will watch Sunday's Clásico from the presidential box at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.