FC Barcelona interim president Rafa Yuste made clear his belief that the team can overturn the 4-0 first-leg defeat in the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
Speaking to the media before attending the traditional directors’ lunch held ahead of the second leg tonight, Yuste, who took over as club president after Joan Laporta stepped down to contest in the elections, backed the team to come good.
“I believe in the comeback,” he said firmly, conveying optimism before what he described as a “special” night.
Yuste explained that he saw “everyone very excited” and stressed that Barcelona must produce “an extraordinary match” to reach the Copa del Rey final.
The Barcelona president highlighted that the team are “fully united” in their determination to reach the final and described it as “one of those nights that everyone feels is their own”, referring to the atmosphere expected at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Yuste confident about Barcelona’s chances. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)
Yuste also insisted on the importance of offering “a great spectacle so that people enjoy themselves”, always “respecting the opponent”.
The interim president also backed Lamine Yamal, who scored a hat-trick against Villarreal over the weekend, to shine against Atletico Madrid tonight.
“I hope he has a great game tonight,” said Yuste.
“He’s in increasingly better form,” the president noted, convinced that both Lamine and the rest of the squad were “very eager” to put on a “spectacular” performance.
Inevitably, Yuste referred to Real Madrid CF’s recent slip against Getafe CF, which leaves Barcelona four points clear at the top of the table.
“I am only thinking about the fact that we have to go to Bilbao on Saturday,” he said, reiterating the message of taking things “step by step”, in line with coach Hansi Flick.
Source: Mundo Deportivo