Manager Marcelino: We need Lionel Messi to have an off night in the Copa del Rey final
The Athletic Bilbao Manager Marcelino provided a frank answer while asked about Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi in advance of this weekend's Copa del Rey final.
The Basque giants face their 2nd Copa final in a month after losing 1-zero in the rearranged 2020 final in opposition to Basque competitors Real Sociedad.
However, regardless of edging out Ronald Koeman's side within the Spanish Supercopa final in his first week at the Estadio San Mames, the previous Valencia coach is cautious of the double chasing Catalans.
"What may be most decisive in the match and therefore, can have an impact on the result, is that their offensive players do now no longer attain their best level, mainly Messi," as in step with reports from Diario Sport.
"To assume we're going to have a possession just like Barca is to leave from reality. Neither PSG or Madrid have been able to doing that."
"We understand we can need to suffer, due to the fact you can't beat Barca with out suffering, now no longer even the most robust clubs realize that."
"Barca would be favourites in opposition to any La Liga team, however it isn't always usually the favourite who wins, it's far the only who performs the excellent for ninety mins and takes advantage of their opportunities."
The manager realistic tack on his side's final arrangements would possibly seem negative, however Barcelona do have a tremendous record towards his side.
Either side of their defeat within the Supercopa at the begin of 2021, Barcelona have won home and away in league action in opposition to Athletic Bilbao this season and that, they have lost simply 3 times in this fixture in their last twelve (12 ) meetings in all competitions.
Messi additionally has a fantastic record towards the Basque club with 27 goals in forty (40) appearances towards them for the duration of his Camp Nou career.