Real, Barca managers raise stakes ahead of Jeddah El Clasico

Jeddah: Coaches Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and Hansi Flick of Barcelona held press conferences before the final match of the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah on Jan. 12.

Ancelotti spoke to the media at King Abdullah Sports City on Saturday, and discussed the match and preparation of his squad.

“We are very excited and confident as always in the finals. We are facing a great team and we know exactly how tough this Clasico match is,” he said.

On losing to Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season, the Italian said: “We had a good game in the first half but the game later in the second half went down. Therefore, we have to avoid the mistakes we made.

“A Clasico is always a Clasico, even more so if it’s a final. Playing against Barcelona is always something special.”

He added: “If there’s a defeat, it’s a defeat. It’s the final; we’re very close to another title and we’re thinking positively.”

Ancelotti confirmed that in-form Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham will be fit and available for the clash.

“He is fine; he has recovered well. It was a normal load from matches. It’s very important because he’s on a good run. He is a player who has made a difference,” the manager said.

“Barcelona are always a historic rival and playing against them is very complicated; you can’t predict the result. We will try to do our best and try to win another title.”

Flick told the media that he hopes to win his first major trophy as Barcelona manager.

He described Real Madrid as a “great team,” adding: “We are fully prepared for them tomorrow night and hope we can perform better than what we did against Mallorca.

“We created many mistakes and we need to reduce them tomorrow night. Madrid is one of the best teams in the world in transition and they take advantage of any option you give them.”

The Dutchman confirmed that Dani Olmo is “very excited to play again.” 

Since the Spanish Super Cup was moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020, Real Madrid and Barcelona have delivered unforgettable showdowns.

Of the five editions held in Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid have claimed three titles (2020, 2022 and 2024), while the Catalans have won once (2023). Athletic Club triumphed in 2021, rounding out the winners of the new era.