"A final against Athletic or Espanyol would be great"

How do you see the tie?

It’s tricky, but that’s not to say that we aren’t going there to try and secure a positive result. We’re two steps away from the final.

Do you see Barça as being favourites?

Sure, Barça are clear favourites. We’re talking on a side playing their best football all season. We’re keen to get to the final. Let’s hope that we can compete again against an extraordinary team.

So you’re not thinking about the return leg yet?

No, we’re not focused on the return leg as the first leg has yet to be played. That will condition things for the return leg. We hope to get the best result possible from tomorrow’s game.

A final with Villarreal involved would be great.

To see Madrid or Barça always in the final has lost its appeal. It would be great to see a final between Villarreal and Athletic or Espanyol. I’ve never played in a final in my life and Luis Enrique has played in plenty.

Keeping Barça from scoring is complicated.

It certainly is and more so at the Camp Nou. However we need to try and score and defend resolutely. We also need to be strong mentally.

Being competitive …

I’m hugely proud of my squad and I’ve always said that if we get eliminated, it will be with all guns blazing. We’ll compete with dignity. I’m extremely grateful to train this group of players with great professional desire and hunger.

What result would you be happy with?

I’d be happy with a win. But even winning 0-2, the tie is still alive. The important thing for us is to be competitive and enjoy the game. Being told that we can compete with this Barça team is a huge compliment. Now we just to need to make this a reality.

Marcelino also named his squad for the Copa del Rey tie at the Nou Camp: Asenjo, Juan Carlos, Mario, Rukavina, Jaume Costa, Víctor Ruiz, Dorado, Musacchio, Bruno, Pina, Jonathan dos Santos, Trigueros, Cheryshev, Moi Gómez, Campbell, Vietto, Gerard Moreno & Giovani.

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