Vini Jr.
“Every player is different, and every moment requires that emotional intelligence to know how to approach them. Vini Jr. is very emotional, and you need to know how best to get through to him and stay close. His teammates do that well, and so does the coaching staff. It’s all about timing — he’ll rediscover his best form, start enjoying himself again and being decisive. We need him tomorrow, no question, and it could be a great moment for him. I remember finals where he’s played a key role, and tomorrow is a big game — a final against Barcelona, a Clásico. Hopefully we’ll see him smiling and playing with that joy.”
The back line
“Asencio, Rüdiger, and Huijsen are all feeling better. We’ll train this afternoon and make the final assessments before deciding. It’s an area where we’ve had more instability in terms of players being available, and that puts extra strain on those who have to play more and make an extra effort. We have to deal with it. Tomorrow we have the opportunity to play a final, and I’m sure the motivation of the occasion will help ease any discomfort. Energy levels will be high.”
Physical preparations for the season
“We don’t plan for peaks or dips — we aim to achieve optimal fitness levels throughout the season because every moment matters. Injuries do affect load distribution and put more stress on players. The coaching staff and medical team work on that together. Pintus is part of that group, along with the other excellent professionals we have here. There’s great collaboration in that sense.”
Relationship with the dressing room
“Every project evolves over time, and in this one — just four months in, not counting the Club World Cup — we’re progressing in football terms, emotionally, and in team spirit. The coaching staff feel very connected to the players, and games of this magnitude can have a big impact on what lies ahead. We're fully dedicated, energy levels are high, and the players are committed to the now and what’s still to come. It won’t be decisive, but tomorrow’s game will be important.”
Lamine Yamal
“I’m not going to say anything new. At his age, the performances he’s shown for Barcelona and the national team have been fantastic, he’s a different kind of player. His presence doesn’t change our preparation. We know he’s a threat in his position, but our approach remains the same.”
The fans in Jeddah
“We feel their support. Almost the entire stadium was behind us in the semifinal, and that happens everywhere. This is the biggest club in the world, and we’re grateful. We’d love to feel that again tomorrow, and hopefully celebrate a title with them.”