Barcelona: Barcelona, December 16: Barcelona begin their Copa del Rey journey on Wednesday night with an away fixture against CD Guadalajara, and head coach Hansi Flick has made it clear there will be no room for complacency.
According to reports from Spain, Flick has delivered a strong and unambiguous message to his squad ahead of the tie: every competition matters, regardless of the opponent or stage of the tournament.
Full Focus on the Copa del Rey
Barcelona will travel with all available first-team players, underlining Flick’s serious approach to the Copa del Rey. Even Joan Garcia has been included in the matchday squad, despite expectations that he may not feature.
For Flick, official competitions demand full commitment. The German coach has shown through both selection and preparation that shortcuts will not be tolerated, even against lower-division opposition.
Lewandowski Decision Sends Strong Signal
One of the clearest indicators of Flick’s mindset is his handling of Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker recently missed Barcelona’s La Liga clash against Osasuna due to physical discomfort.
Despite that concern, Flick has opted to keep Lewandowski involved for the Copa del Rey fixture, reinforcing the idea that the tournament is a genuine target for Barcelona this season rather than a secondary priority.
Respect for the Opponent
Within the coaching staff, there is a clear understanding that cup competitions can be ruthless. Facing a team from the Primera Federación does not reduce the risks involved, and Flick has stressed the importance of respecting both the opposition and the competition.
The message to the dressing room has been straightforward: approach the game with intensity, discipline and professionalism.
Balanced Line-up Expected
While Barcelona are expected to take the match seriously, Flick is likely to field a balanced starting XI. The line-up should feature a mix of regular starters, squad players seeking more minutes, and select academy prospects.
Young talent Tommy Marques could be handed his first-team debut after impressing in training, while Marc Bernal may receive valuable minutes as he continues to rebuild match fitness and sharpness.
However, Flick has made it clear that rotation does not mean experimentation for its own sake. Performance standards will remain high, and every player selected will be expected to deliver.
Clear Expectations Set
As Barcelona begin their Copa del Rey campaign, Flick’s approach leaves little doubt about the club’s ambitions. Preparation, discipline and respect for the competition remain non-negotiable, as the German coach looks to set the tone for a potentially long cup run.
