FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola knows his team will have to perform better than they did in the first leg on Sunday if they are to win the Spanish Supercup. Acknowledging the merits of his opponents is Guardiola’s policy and the Catalan boss said, “They [Real Madrid] were better than us, but in three days we’ve improved a bit.” Speaking to the press before the reigning European and La Liga champions play against their fiercest rivals in the title-deciding tie, Guardiola noted the significance of the two away goals and was content with the result given the lack of pre-season training his side had. “Our mentality helped us get a good result,” he said. 

The manager is confident that his players will rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that showcases their true talent and abilities in the second leg. To achieve a favourable result and win the first trophy of the 2011-12 season, Guardiola was crystal clear on what his players need to do. “We have to move the ball faster than in the first leg,” he said. “We must play a great game to take the title.“ 

Asked about whether he will have the same starting 11 as he did in Bernabeu, Guardiola replied, “We’ll see how they are and whether we’ll start the same players or make changes. We’re managing the minutes and the players physical shape.” He added that he believes “in the mentality and competitive spirit of this team to try to win the game“.  

Apart from the squad, Guardiola is hopeful that the fans can make a difference and give the home side an edge. The coach was grateful for the fans who bought tickets and will be there to support the team. “When the legs begin to fail, the fans will help us,” he said. “I can’t remember a stadium against Madrid with not so many fans. Ticket sales are going well and we thank the people who support us.”

El clasico could be the match in which Cesc Fabregas makes his debut as a Barca player and Guardiola was asked about the likelihood of the midfielder getting some minutes. While Guardiola didn’t rule out the 24-year-old player’s participation in the match, he stopped short of giving a definite ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Instead he used the question to thank the club’s board for the work they did to ensure that he got the players he wanted to strengthen the squad.

If there is one player who won the manager with his performance in the first leg, it was debutant Alexis Sanchez. “Alexis ran like six players,” he said praising the Chilean for his “humility“. “It’s the best he’s given us so far and we hope he brings lot to the team.”