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Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has showered praise on Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe ahead of the Clasico in the Supercopa de España final. The two archrivals in LaLiga are set to face each other for the third time in a row in a Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, January 11.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have faced each other only once so far this season in a LaLiga clash in October last year. Los Blancos beat the Catalans 2-1, with all eyes on a nail-biting clash in the final this week. Barca remain unbeaten in nine games across competitions so far, with Hansi Flick never having lost a final in his career. Meanwhile, Los Blancos will do their best to beat the Catalans once again, especially after they lost the Supercopa final 5-2 last season.
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In the pre-match press conference, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick spoke highly of Real Madrid icon Kylian Mbappe, who's doubtful to start in Sunday's final due to his injury. Flick said (via Madrid Xtra):
"Mbappé is the best striker currently. He's world-class."
Kylian Mbappe was unavailable in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa de España semi-final this week owing to a knee injury. However, he is set to be available for the final against Barcelona, although he might start off the bench.
Mbappe has been lethal this season, with 29 goals and five assists to his name in 24 outings for Los Blancos across competitions. If the Spanish giants beat Barca in the final, it will mark the Frenchman's first Spanish Super Cup with the club. In last season's 5-2 loss in the Super Cup final, Mbappe scored once in the match.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick opens up on facing Real Madrid in the Supercopa final
In the aforementioned pre-match press conference, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick highlighted that they have won four out of the five Clasicos that were played in his tenure so far. Speaking of preparations for the final, the German said (via Barca Universal):
"How many Clasicos have we played in the last year and a half? And how many have we lost? We’ve lost one. That’s what it’s about."
He added:
"Madrid has a fantastic team, but so do we. Everyone wants to win the title. Everyone will be watching the game. That’s what we have to focus on. Our responsibility is to enjoy ourselves and make sure our fans enjoy themselves too."
Last season marked Hansi Flick's first season at Barca, when the Catalans beat Los Blancos four times. This included the Supercopa de España final and the Copa del Rey final. Real Madrid will be desperate to change the results this time by winning the title.
