Osasuna manager ready for Barcelona challenge in Spanish Super Cup: “Hope we can make it difficult for them”
CA Osasuna will brace themselves up for a historic game in the club’s history, as they take on FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal on Thursday.
Having reached the final of Copa Del Rey last season, it is a momentous occasion for the Pamplona outfit, who are eyeing a massive upset this midweek.
Heading into this game, Osasuna coach Jagoba Arrasate sounded upbeat about Osasuna’s chances while highlighting the importance of the encounter.
Arrasate on the Barcelona game
“It’s something historic for the club and that’s how we take it,” Arrasate said (h/t Mundo Deportivo). “We know that it is a short competition with great rivals, but no one is going to take away our hope of winning tomorrow.”
Osasuna met Barcelona earlier in the season, narrowly losing the 2-1 due to a late penalty goal from Robert Lewandowski.
Highlighting the result, Arrasate added, “In La Liga, we competed against them and we lost only by the slightest.”
Talking about Barcelona’s form, the Osasuna coach said, “They are a team that are playing well and it is true that they are conceding more, but we have to respect them and we expect the best Barcelona.
“We must not forget that they are the current champion of La Liga and the Super Cup. They have a very clear idea, which is to be dominant, but tomorrow I hope we can make it difficult for them,” he added.
Arrasate was also asked about his friendship with Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, who has faced immense pressure due to Barcelona’s form at the end of the year.
“The times I have been able to interact with him, he has been more calm,” he said. “Competition transforms us all and being on that bench is difficult.”
The Osasuna coach, meanwhile, also made it clear that the club are ready to take the Super Cup seriously and will fight for every ball.
“We are talking about a title. We would like to play with our people. I can understand that for the greats it is a minor title, but if we win tomorrow we will have the opportunity to play in a final,” he said.
Finally, Arrasate welcomed the availability of VAR in the competition, adding, “I think everything that is transparency for football is good.”
