Guardiola has guaranteed that Mallorca will make things as hard as Espanyol did and that 100% will be required of his players on Thursday. The players are thrilled by the prospect of a first cup final in eleven years.
Barça are on the verge of making the final of the Copa del Rey for the first time in over a decade,
and in the semi finals meet Mallorca, fittingly their last opposition in a up final. Josep
Guardiola considers that “we have an extraordinary opportunity to play in the Copa del Rey
final after coming so close the last three years. I have a good feeling about this team. I think
it’s important for us to play well and get a result that can allow us to concentrate on the
League and the Champions League rather than worry about the return leg”.
Similarities to Espanyol
Guardiola knows that Mallorca, like Espanyol
before, are struggling with relegation, but does not think that they will take the cup lightly just
because they are in such a delicate position in the league. “Like Espanyol, Mallorca have
nothing to lose and I doubt they’ll throw away their cup chances to concentrate on the
league. I’m sure they’ll come to make things hard for us. I expect the very best of
Mallorca, a team that defends well and will be looking to break down our defence with fast men like
Aduriz, Keita and Webó. I doubt Mallorca will have their minds more on their next league
match.”
Pacemaking
The pace of the game could be the key. “We have to get the game going to the right
rhythm from as early as the warm-up. I sense that Mallorca will play like they did in the league,
slowing things down as much as they can. But I think that the tie will ultimately be decided in
Mallorca”.
Fans play too
The manager also hopes that the fans will come out in the same kind of force that they did
for the previous cup match against Espanyol. “I would like people to remember just how close
we are to playing in a final. We can mobilise 30,000 people and get a great party going, but to do
that we still have to beat Mallorca. The team will do all they can and play on the attack, and give
everything they can to the supporters”.
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Puyol progressing well
Guardiola says Carles Puyol is recovering well from his injury, but a Sunday comeback is still very
much in doubt. “Puyol is getting better every day, we’ll have to see how he feels on
match day. On Saturday I’ll have a word with the doctors and the player and we’ll
decide then. But of there is any risk, he won’t be playing” he said.