Racing boss defiant ahead of Barcelona cup clash: 'No one will beat us on passion'
José Alberto López believes his Santander side can shock Barça in Copa del Rey showdown at El Sardinero, despite acknowledging the massive quality gap between the teams.
Racing Santander’s gaffer José Alberto López is refusing to wave the white flag ahead of Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash with Barcelona, insisting his second-tier outfit will match the Catalans for desire despite the obvious quality gap.
‘A sweet treat’ after 13-year wait
The Racing boss made no bones about his team’s primary focus remaining promotion from Spain’s Segunda División, but acknowledged the special nature of hosting Barcelona at El Sardinero for the first time in 13 years.
“A ilusión no nos va a ganar nadie,” declared López - nobody will outdo his team when it comes to desire and belief, even if they’re facing what he describes as “possibly one of the most in-form teams in world football.”
Balancing act between cup and league
López faces a proper juggling act this week, with Racing needing to prepare for both Barcelona and a crucial league fixture against Las Palmas in quick succession. The gaffer admits:
- It’s an “exciting week” for everyone at the club
- Not enjoying the occasion would be a mistake
- But getting too distracted would be equally problematic
- The tight schedule makes preparation challenging
Flick’s Barcelona earning serious respect
When asked about Barcelona’s current form, López didn’t mince his words. He’s been particularly impressed by the defensive intensity Hansi Flick has instilled:
- Barcelona are on a ten-match winning streak
- Their aggression and concentration levels were evident in the Spanish Super Cup
- López considers them “the most intense team in La Liga”
- He admires how “everyone presses, everyone knows what to do” in Flick’s system
David v Goliath: All to play for
Despite the obvious gulf in resources, the Racing manager refuses to write off his team’s chances in typical cup underdog fashion.
“The tie starts at 50-50. The match will begin at 0-0 and we’ll see what happens,” López stated, acknowledging Racing would need “a tremendous performance, effectiveness in both boxes, and for them to have an off-day.”
With El Sardinero set to be absolutely rammed for the visit of the Catalan giants, López is encouraging everyone to enjoy a special week in Santander football - while quietly plotting what would be a proper cupset if his boys could pull it off.