Sunday, 22 May 2016

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta wary of Sevilla ahead of Copa del Reyfinal

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta believes Sevilla's European success makes them more difficult opponents to face in the Copa del Rey final.
Barca travel to the Vicente Calderon for Sunday's game looking to secure a domestic double after retaining the La Liga title last weekend.
Sevilla, however, are also hoping to claim a second trophy of the season after winning the Europa League for a third successive year with victory over Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Speaking about the Andalusian side's triumph in Basel, Spain international Iniesta told his club's official website: "I think it makes them more dangerous because they've just won a title.
"They're feeling very positive, very motivated because they now have a chance of another title.
"I expect a tough final, we'll need to play a very complete game."
Luis Enrique's side are the reigning cup champions and have won the competition a record 27 times.
Midfielder Iniesta, 32, feels demand for success at the Catalan club is constant.
"It's a question of extending the great years we've been having here so it's very important to us," he added.
"I think each team has its own pressure to win the game. I've never played a final at this club where we haven't felt the obligation of winning. Every season we try to fight for every title. The demands to win are always the same, it's permanent.
"We feel that we're able to win against Sevilla but it's a team we respect a lot."
Head coach Enrique has a fully-fit squad to select from for the final in Madrid and his players have enjoyed the luxury of an additional four days rest because of Sevilla's European involvement.
Speaking at a Barcelona press conference, he told reporters about his admiration for his opposite number Unai Emery.
"He's one of the best managers in European football at the moment," Enrique said. "I can only congratulate them on winning another (Europa League) title. The work really does come down to the manager.
"I think generally it's going to be a good thing for them that they won that game. I think they've had enough time (to recover).
"It's going to be a really interesting final. We are going to have to overcome a lot of difficulties. It's a team that it's always been difficult for us to play against."
Sevilla have won the Spanish Cup a total of five times, with their last victory coming in 2010 when they beat Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp.
Emery will be without suspended French midfielder Steven N'Zonzi, in addition to injured pair Michael Krohn Dehli and Benoit Tremoulinas (both knee).
Former Valencia and Spartak Moscow boss Emery believes his side, who finished seventh in La Liga, are underdogs going into the game.
He told his club's website: "Who knows if I will again have the chance to play another final of the Copa del Rey?
"Barcelona are the favourites and logically want and need that double because their credibility is based on getting titles.
"How many times have Barcelona been cup champions? Many times. We have not. For us to play the final tomorrow is a gift that we will open with tremendous happiness. 
"Against Barcelona it is normal to lose. In tomorrow's game, we have to adjust to many things. But we have to think we can do things well and win this game. 
"We have a tremendous opportunity, we have to go for it."

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