Barcelona strives to win their first Copa del Rey in four years when they take Real Madrid this weekend. 2021 was the last time they won the competition, and on that occasion their manager was Ronald Koeman.
Prior to the 2025 final, Koeman spoke with Marca to think about that success four years ago. He also gave his thoughts about this weekend's superclasico in La Cartuja.
“That Copa del Rey win meant a lot, especially because of the complicated moment that we experienced because of COVID-19 and the few options to sign because of the lack of money, which forced us to give many young people in the team. It meant a lot for everyone: for the club, for the club, for the great work that all did at that moment.
“There are no favorites in the final of this type. If you analyze it, Barcelona may have better results in football, but in a match between Barcelona and Real Madrid everything can happen. And for real Madrid it is a chance to compensate for the sadness that are not out of the Champions League.
Koeman, who is now head coach of the Netherlands, also discussed the current situation of Carlo Ancelotti, who has been strongly associated with leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season.
“Ultimately, the coaches in football are to blame. We have to admit that Ancelotti is doing a great job. He is the coach who has won the most titles in the world. He is a good coach. He manages a team like Real Madrid's very good with so many stars. He is not too bad for me.