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Barcelona will play their second match of 2025 tomorrow night when they take on Athletic Club in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
After leaving the problems of the end of 2024 behind with a resounding victory in the Copa del Rey over UD Barbastro, Hansi Flick & company. They hope to build on the momentum and secure a place in the Super Cup final, where they would face either Mallorca or Real Madrid.
On the eve of the match, one of the club captains, Raphinha, joined coach Flick for the pre-match press conference, where, as expected, the registration situation of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor was a very topic. discussed.
About the Super Cup and Barça’s state of form
To begin with, the Brazilian winger explained the importance of winning the Super Cup for Barcelona:
“A title gives confidence to any team. We are willing to fight for everything and we have the opportunity now at the beginning of the year. It will give us a lot of confidence for the season.”
Raphinha was absent last night in the Barça Cup against Barbastro and the player confirmed that it was due to some minor discomfort.
“We started winning again. “I’m better, I had some discomfort but we decided I should rest and I hope I can help the team in the next game now.” said.
Regarding the upcoming games, the former Leeds United player insisted that the team must continue giving 100%, saying:
“Football is often unfair. We played a good game against Atleti but we lost. Sometimes you play better but you lose. “We want to be 100% focused on the game and make as few mistakes as possible to win.”
Regarding the downturn that the Catalans suffered at the end of 2024, he added: “It’s difficult to say why. You will not be 100 percent throughout the season, there will be difficult moments, but we have been able to play good games again.
“Now we have to get back to winning as many games as possible.”
Speaking about the possibility of playing in Saudi Arabia, he said: “We have quite a few fans here in Saudi. Being able to play in front of them and being able to experience this special moment like the Super Cup is quite special.
“I’m here for the third season in particular and being able to feel the affection of the Arabs is spectacular.”
Referring to the threat posed by Barcelona’s rival tomorrow, Athletic Club, Raphinha explained:
“We know the potential that their players have, like Nico and Iñaki. We hope to play our best game both defensively and offensively.”
He then added: “I think playing against Athletic is always complicated. It is a good team, with good players and a great philosophy. It’s good to see them play.
“They have very fast players and they play very well. They’re going to have a good time. It’s going to be a good game.”
Registration Saga
Regarding the situation surrounding Olmo and Víctor and how they are facing the entire saga, Raphinha stated:
“It is a complicated situation. For them, for us too. It is a delicate situation and we are trying to make it not so difficult for them, so that those responsible can resolve it as quickly as possible so that they can play as soon as possible.”
Raphinha elaborated on the matter and added that it was important to stay calm and trust those responsible to get things done.
“We have to trust that this will be resolved quickly. In the end we received super positive messages and we have to wait. We know the same thing as you many times.” he commented.
“We try to be calm so we can do our work during the day. I hope that the people who are dealing with this will bring us quick solutions.”
On whether there were conversations with the president or the coach regarding the registration issue, the 28-year-old said:
“It is a complicated situation and only those who are in this situation know what they are going through and decide about their future. They have to wait and see what happens.
“The club tells us that they are quite sure that everything will be resolved. But for Dani and Pau it is quite difficult to face this situation.”
On whether the whole episode could affect Barcelona’s future transfer plans and make players reconsider joining the club, Raphinha said:
“I don’t like lying. I think it can affect the future. If I were in another club maybe I would think about it. But when I came here, before signing I knew the situation of the club and I waited to be able to come here and I don’t regret anything.”
Raphinha was also asked to comment on the future of Ronald Araujo, whose contract expires in 2026. In response, the Brazilian said:
“It’s a situation where he can respond to you. “It is a personal situation, I have nothing to say about its renewal.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
