Barcelona are preparing to take on Real Madrid in El Clasico later this weekend as they welcome their arch-rivals to the Spotify Camp Nou.
Hansi Flick has injury issues to deal with, especially in defence, with Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia all set to miss out.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi, who could be in for a start in the absence of Dani Olmo, delivered a passionate message ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico.
As quoted by Diario SPORT, the La Masia graduate made the comments during an interview with DAZN at Barcelona’s pre-Clasico Media Day.
Gavi highlighted his competitive mentality and the importance of defeating the club’s biggest rivals.
“I really love going to war in Clasicos ,” Gavi declared when discussing his approach to these encounters.
Gavi, Barcelona player
Gavi is determined to perform well for Barcelona. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
The midfielder explained that while Hansi Flick’s tactical instructions remain essential, the passion to play against Madrid could further enhance them.
“The coach’s ideas are very important, and the players must be clear about what they have to do in matches. But I’m one of those players who really enjoys going to war in Clasicos.”
Gavi also made it clear that Barcelona intend to impose themselves from the opening whistle.
“We’re going to give everything from the very beginning,” he insisted.
The 22-year-old also emphasised the emotional importance of the rivalry within the dressing room.
“We’re all Barcelona supporters, and we always want to beat Real Madrid.”
Gavi expects Sunday’s encounter to provide plenty of entertainment but continued to stress the importance of the result.
“It’s going to be a great match for the spectators,” he said.
“The important thing for us is to take all three points, no matter what.”
His comments underline just how determined Gavi is ahead of the Clasico, and the 22-year-old would be an excellent option for Flick to use on Sunday.
Gavi, Barcelona player
Barcelona could start Gavi against Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The Spaniard’s aggression, pressing intensity and willingness to compete for every ball make him the perfect candidate for an emotionally charged match such as this.
Barcelona enter the encounter with a six-point advantage, meaning victory would extend their lead to nine and deliver a significant early blow to their rivals’ title ambitions.
Gavi, through his words, has made Barcelona’s intentions unmistakably clear. It remains to be seen whether the performance on the pitch can back this passion up.
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