Jeddah, January 8, 2025 – Barcelona’s German coach, Hansi Flick, held a news conference on Tuesday evening to discuss the team’s highly anticipated clash against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals. The match is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at the prestigious King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, marking another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s role as a host of major international football events.
Addressing reporters, Flick expressed confidence in his team’s readiness and determination to secure a victory that would advance them to the tournament’s final. “My team is ready, and we aim to win and reach the final in Wednesday’s match against the Athletic Bilbao team,” he stated. Acknowledging the capabilities of their opponents, Flick added, “They have outstanding players and have made significant progress.”
Flick also took the opportunity to highlight his appreciation for Barcelona as a club, describing it as “an exceptional organization” and sharing his personal satisfaction with his role. “Working with this team is a truly wonderful experience,” he said. Emphasizing the challenges ahead, Flick noted, “The game against Athletic Bilbao is tough, but all the team members are fully prepared for this championship.”
The German coach underscored the importance of the Spanish Super Cup, calling it a key objective for both the club and himself. “This championship holds great significance for the club, the players, and me as a coach. We are excited to play in Saudi Arabia, especially in front of passionate football fans who bring incredible energy to the stadium,” he remarked.
Accompanying Flick at the conference was Barcelona’s team captain, Raphinha Dias, who echoed his coach’s sentiments. The Brazilian star acknowledged the unique opportunity to connect with the club’s Saudi supporters, stating, “We are all aware of Barcelona’s immense popularity here in Saudi Arabia, and it brings us great joy to play in front of our fans from this region.” He also stressed the importance of the Spanish Super Cup in their competitive calendar, describing it as “one of the most significant tournaments” due to its prestigious lineup, which includes the La Liga champion, the runner-up, and the Copa del Rey champion and runner-up.
The Spanish Super Cup’s semi-final stage in Saudi Arabia has drawn considerable attention from football enthusiasts worldwide, with fans eagerly anticipating this high-stakes encounter. As Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao prepare to face off, the atmosphere at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium is expected to be electric, reflecting the global passion for the sport and Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the international football stage.
