FC Barcelona will play the semifinal of the 2026 Spanish Super Cup this Wednesday, January 7, against Athletic Club (20:00 CEST), defending the title they won last season. In the pre-match press conference, Hansi Flick highlighted the importance of the competition, even though it is the trophy of least hierarchy among the four that Barça aspires to each season.
"The Super Cup in Spain is different from Germany, but I like it. A competition with a final, a semi-final. Winning this Super Cup gave us a lot of energy last year and we want to repeat it," the German coach began.
"The Super Cup is the shortest way to win a title, but it won't be easy because the other teams are very good"
He said the latter when referring to the favoritism of a Barça that is also the reigning champion of the League, Cup, and winter champion in the top tier of Spanish football. Furthermore, the Catalans arrive on a streak, with nine consecutive wins in the League and eight in all competitions.
Barça's reasons for signing Joao Cancelo
On the other hand, Flick referred to the imminent signing of Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese player, pending official confirmation, will return on loan for six months to the club, with the approval of the Barça coach. Initially, the signing of another center-back was considered to cover the absence of Andreas Christensen, but finally Deco and Joan Laporta paved the way for the Portuguese full-back's return
"I spoke with my staff and we think that, when Ronald is back, we have good alternatives in the center. Joao can play on both flanks. He will give us reinforcement on the wings and further up"
In that regard, he made it clear that the signing "is not yet done, but I would be happy if it goes through." "We also talked about signing a center-back, but Cancelo is a good option for these six months," Flick explained, implying that Barça's transfer market is closed, at least as far as new acquisitions are concerned.
Regarding departures, he made it clear that no player has expressed a desire to leave, beyond the rumors about the possible departure of Ter Stegen. Regarding the Catalan goal, he ratified Joan García as the starter against Athletic and, of course, for a potential final next Sunday
Araujo's Return and Midfield Options
Hansi Flick also analyzed the present of Ronald Araujo. The German coach applauded the club's stance of total support for the center-back, as one must always "take care of and support the players," especially when it comes to one of the captains and an important piece of the squad. However, it is likely that the 'charrúa' will not yet be available against Athletic, despite having traveled to Arabia.
"We'll see in training. I want to talk to him. We haven't decided. If he's ready, maybe we'll change something. Right now, he's not in our plans"
Likewise, he anticipated Fermín López's starting role as attacking midfielder against Athletic, although both Eric García and Frenkie de Jong have done a great job in containment. Pedri would also start, meaning one of the two (Eric or Frenkie) would go to the bench in the semifinal.
"The most important thing is who plays as '10'. We saw it in the derby (against Espanyol). Fermín came out very well. That's what we need in that position. De Jong and Pedri are players who can keep the ball and defend well. We have options. Eric can play in other positions," detailed Flick, who is confident of seeing a better version of his team compared to the match in Cornellà.
The plan against Athletic and the competition for the '9'
On the other hand, Hansi Flick believes that Athletic will also improve compared to the duel at Camp Nou on November 22 (4-0). The Basques will once again bet on speed on the counter-attack, with **Iñaki Williams** now recovered.
"They have fast players, but we know what we want to do. We know our strengths and what it takes to win. If we make the same mistakes as in the derby, it won't be easy. We have to play much better in defense. Sometimes I miss this," the German concluded.
Finally, the Barça coach referred to the fight for a starting spot between Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski. "The Shark" started in the last four league matches, but the Pole is coming off scoring his ninth goal in the tournament in the derby.
"Both have done well, they have a good attitude in training and when they are on the bench. Lewy scored the second goal in the derby. That's what I want to see. Everyone has to give their best for the team."