Marcus Sorg Anticipates Challenging Matchup

Marcus Sorg addressed the media ahead of the high-stakes Clásico this Sunday, scheduled for 4:15 PM CET. His team, FC Barcelona, will face Real Madrid at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu. This match holds significant importance as Barcelona aims to replicate last year’s successful performance.

Hansi Flick’s Absence and Sorg’s Leadership

With head coach Hansi Flick suspended, Sorg will lead the team from the sidelines. He expressed his pride in this opportunity, stating, “It’s an honour to be on the bench.” Although Flick will not be physically present, Sorg highlighted his ongoing influence within the team: “When Hansi isn’t there, you can feel his absence. He’s the most important part of the team.” He assured fans that the group is well-prepared and that Flick remains motivated.

Preparation for a Challenging Matchup

Sorg characterized the upcoming match as demanding, emphasizing the need for Barcelona to manage possession and implement effective pressing. “It will be a very tough game,” he acknowledged, adding, “we have to show our strengths.” He reiterated the importance of adherence to Barcelona’s tactical philosophy: “We must press high and maintain our defensive integrity.”

Keys to Success

• Maintain possession to avoid losing the ball.
• Press effectively and remain compact as a unit.
• Focus on playing better than the opponent.

According to Sorg, in matches like these, competitiveness is crucial. “It’s always 50–50, and the team that plays better will win,” he remarked. He also recognized Real Madrid’s recent improvements, particularly in their pressing strategy, stating, “They’re very strong in transition, and our challenge is to press well.”

Injury Updates

Regarding player availability, Sorg confirmed that Raphinha will not play. However, the situation for Ferran Torres remains uncertain, with Sorg indicating that they will make a decision on his participation closer to kickoff. In defense, Jules Kounde’s status is in question after he missed the last two training sessions. Fortunately, he trained normally on Saturday, and the coaching staff plans to make a last-minute decision.

As FC Barcelona prepares for this crucial match against Real Madrid, the focus will be on executing their game plan effectively. Fans anticipate a thrilling encounter as both teams aim for victory.