‘El Clasico holds special importance’
Barca boss reflects on weight of Cup final against Madrid.
Barcelona's players celebrate at the end of the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) football match Real Sociedad vs FC Barcelona at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on February 12, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
MADRID:
Barcelona manager Gerrardo expressed his content when his squad booked a place in the Copa del Rey final (April 19) against Real Madrid after they drew 1-1 away to Real Sociedad on Wednesday to progress 3-1 on aggregate.
Gerardo was happy to have reached his first major final since taking charge at the start of the season, but said it was far too early to judge who will be favourites to lift the trophy come April.
“There were three objectives this year and we have managed to make the final in one of them. Now we have to try and win it, but we have complied with the demands until now,” he said.
“It is a long way away; it is a Clasico so it always has special importance. Madrid winning last night [Wedneday] made it even more important for us not to miss this special date.
“But it is hard to make a judgement because the final is still two months away. There are loads of important games between now and then for both teams.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 14th, 2014.
Barcelona manager Gerrardo expressed his content when his squad booked a place in the Copa del Rey final (April 19) against Real Madrid after they drew 1-1 away to Real Sociedad on Wednesday to progress 3-1 on aggregate.
Gerardo was happy to have reached his first major final since taking charge at the start of the season, but said it was far too early to judge who will be favourites to lift the trophy come April.
“There were three objectives this year and we have managed to make the final in one of them. Now we have to try and win it, but we have complied with the demands until now,” he said.
“It is a long way away; it is a Clasico so it always has special importance. Madrid winning last night [Wedneday] made it even more important for us not to miss this special date.
“But it is hard to make a judgement because the final is still two months away. There are loads of important games between now and then for both teams.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 14th, 2014.