Hansi Flick heaps praise on Mbappé ahead of the Super Cup final: ‘The best striker at the moment
The FC Barcelona head coach analyzed what will be the match against Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia.
FC Barcelona is standing at the precipice of its first major glory of the 2025-2026 season. As the team finalizes preparations for the Spanish Super Cup final at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the atmosphere in the "Blaugrana" camp is one of quiet confidence. Hansi Flick’s squad enters this showdown against Real Madrid in blistering form, fresh off a 5-0 demolition of Athletic Club in the semifinals—a performance that served as a warning shot to their eternal rivals.
The biggest news for the Catalan faithful is the return of Lamine Yamal. After starting the semifinal on the bench to manage his physical workload, the 18-year-old sensation is set to return to the starting XI. His presence is seen as the "X-factor" that could tip the scales in what promises to be a tactical chess match between Flick and Xabi Alonso.
Acknowledging the "Mbappé Factor"
While Barcelona is flying high, they are fully aware that Real Madrid will be a different beast, especially with the confirmed return of Kylian Mbappé. During his pre-match press conference, Hansi Flick was asked directly about the threat posed by the French captain. Flick was complimentary but remained firm in his philosophy of prioritizing his own system over individual marking.
"He is the best striker in the world at the moment. He is a world-class player," Flick admitted. "But what matters to me is my team. I focus on my players. If we win, it will give us a massive boost in confidence. We always think positively and want to demonstrate our best level on this stage. I have a very good feeling about this group. Whatever Madrid does... that is not my job to worry about."
Flick’s refusal to build his entire game plan around one opponent highlights the "German School" of coaching he has implemented at Barça: a high-pressing, high-line system that relies on collective synchronicity rather than defensive obsession.
The Return of the Jewel: Lamine Yamal
The excitement in Jeddah is palpable regarding Lamine Yamal. Despite his age, he has become the creative heartbeat of the team. Flick confirmed that the youngster is physically ready to handle the intensity of a Clásico final.
"He can start. Everyone is ready to be in the lineup or come on as a substitute," Flick confirmed with a smile. "We will make the final decision after the last training session. We have great options in every single position, and they are all performing at a high level. The most important thing is to win this final and make the correct decisions for the welfare of the team."
The return of Lamine to the right wing, likely flanked by Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, suggests that Barcelona will look to exploit the wings and force Real Madrid’s fullbacks into uncomfortable 1v1 situations.
No Room for Revenge: The Bernabéu Ghost
History weighs heavy on every Clásico, and the media was quick to remind Flick of the last encounter between the two giants—a 2-1 victory for Xabi Alonso’s Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. However, the German strategist was quick to dismiss any narrative of "revenge" (venganza). He views the upcoming final as a blank slate, a chance to define a new era rather than settle old scores.
"They have fantastic, high-quality players, but I am concentrated on my team. It’s Real Madrid, so there is no greater motivation than that," Flick explained. "I don’t like to talk about revenge. That was just one game in the past. Since then, we have focused on playing good football and improving every week. We want to win everything, and that is what matters. The team is highly focused, and I am very happy with that. There is still a long road ahead until the end of the season."
The High Stakes of Jeddah
Winning the Super Cup would be more than just adding a trophy to the cabinet for Hansi Flick; it would be the first tangible proof that his tactical overhaul is working. By dismissing the past and focusing on the internal mechanics of his squad, Flick is attempting to shield his young players—like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí—from the immense media pressure that surrounds a Clásico final.
On Sunday, under the lights of the King Abdullah Stadium, the talking will stop. Whether it is the individual brilliance of Mbappé or the collective machine of Flick’s Barcelona that prevails, the result will set the tone for the remainder of the 2026 season.
