Flick believes Lamine will start in the Clásico and downplays Mbappé's presence

This Sunday, for the fourth consecutive year, FC Barcelona faces Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup, where Hansi Flick's team defends the title won in 2025. In the pre-match press conference, Hansi Flick downplayed the possible presence of Kylian Mbappé, a doubt until the last minute in the 'Merengue' lineup.

'Kiki' is carrying a knee injury (sprain) in his left knee, but he traveled to Arabia with the intention of playing. Although Flick praised the Real Madrid goalscorer, he trusts Barça's ability to win, for the fifth time in six Clásicos since his arrival at the club, against the 'White House'.

"How many Clásicos have we played? How many have we won? We've only lost one game. Mbappé is a fantastic player and we'll adapt somewhat, but also to Real Madrid. We have to play as always, with our style"

Lamine Yamal's Return and Clues About the XI

On the other hand, the Barça coach guaranteed the presence of Lamine Yamal in the Barça XI, although he avoided giving clues about the Catalan lineup. The '10' was a substitute against Athletic, after missing the training session prior to the Super Cup semi-final due to stomach problems. However, he played 18 minutes in the second half.

"**Lamine can start. Everyone is ready to start or be substitutes**," he assured regarding the squad's physical condition. On **Eric García** and **Frenkie de Jong**, the German coach stated that he has not yet decided who will be the team's pivot against Real Madrid. However, both can be starters, with the player from Martorell returning to the center of defense alongside **Pau Cubarsí**.

Likewise, Flick highlighted the importance of the full-backs' work in El Clásico. Regarding **Alejandro Balde**, he praised his performance against Athletic, but believes that the '3', like **Jules Koundé**, needs to be more attentive in defensive duties on Sunday. "**Tomorrow is different. It's important that he's at his best. We need them at their peak**".

Barça's Moment and the Possibility of Winning Another Title

Regarding Barça's current form, which includes nine consecutive victories in all competitions and a superb 'manita' against Athletic (5-0), the Catalan coach values the possibility of winning another title, with the added bonus of doing so against their eternal rival.

"I think everyone appreciates playing a final against Madrid. We can win a title and we have to play as a team, that's what I want to see. That's the most important thing," commented the Heidelberg native. In that regard, he added regarding the impact of the final:

"If we win, it gives us a lot of confidence. We always think positively. We want to show our best level. I have a good feeling about the team. What Madrid does is not my job"

Likewise, he dismissed feeling like the favorite for the final, although Real arrives with many more doubts regarding their collective play, injuries, and sporting instability due to uncertainties about Xabi Alonso's future.

"We will try to win and give our best. But we don't pay attention to these things... Real is a fantastic team and so are we. At first it was two games and now it's one; I'm concentrating on these 90 minutes," he pointed out.

The Madrid Crisis and the Possible October Clásico Rematch

Regarding the 'Merengue' crisis, Hansi Flick dismissed facing a weakened opponent. "They have fantastic, high-quality players. I am focused on my team. It's Madrid and there's no greater motivation," he argued.

He also set aside the feeling of revenge for the last League Clásico, which ended with a 'Merengue' victory in a match where the first Blaugrana coach was suspended

"I don't like that (the search for revenge). It was just one game and since then we've focused on continuing to play good games. We want to win always and that's what's important. There's a long way to go until the end of the season.".

Finally, Flick assured that **Barça always practices penalties in every session**, this in anticipation of a decisive shootout. In case of a draw, there will be no extra time, but direct penalties, as extra time was eliminated starting with the 2025 edition of the Super Cup