Barcelona are back in action in midweek against minnows Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey in game which is likely to see Hansi Flick make changes to his starting XI.
It’s a great chance for fringe players to enjoy some minutes in the first team, although Guadalajara boss Pere Marti disagrees and says he hopes to face a strong team.
“They’re all good, but we’d like to play against the usual starters. To enjoy them and then when we win (smiles) it’ll be even more of a big deal,” he told Marca.
“It’s a match to enjoy and, of course, to compete in, because nobody likes to lose in this sport. We’re going out there and trying to win, and hopefully the best players can be there to enjoy it too.
“It’s better that he [Yamal] he plays. It would be wrong not to see him on the pitch.”
Marti, who freely admits he is a Barca fan, also explained what his side need to do to pull off a shock against the Catalan giants.
“That our motivation is important,” he added. “To play a very serious, very tough game, to make things difficult, not to be afraid and to be brave, which doesn’t mean we’re going to do crazy things, but you’re going to experience situations where you have to make decisions and if they’re made out of fear, well, many times they hurt you.”
The coach is actually suspended for the game but will be watching from a booth when the two sides meet on Tuesday.
