Barça’s Adolfo Fernández Eyes Copa de España Glory Amid Injury Comeback

Sant Joan Despí, Spain (AP) — Adolfo Fernández, a pivotal player for FC Barcelona since joining from Industrias Santa Coloma in 2016, spoke about the team’s conditions ahead of the Copa de España in an interview with EFE. Set to play against his former team this Friday in Murcia, he aims to add another title to his impressive list of accolades.

Now 31 years old, Fernández adds depth to his illustrious career, which began with Marfil Santa Coloma at age 16. Over the years, he has amassed an impressive collection of trophies including two UEFA Champions League titles, four national league trophies, three Supercopa de España titles, four Copa del Rey victories, and five Catalonia Cups. He hopes to increase his Copa de España count from four to five this weekend.

When asked about the team’s preparations for the Copa de España, Fernández expressed optimism, saying, “In the last few matches, we have achieved some important victories, except for the last one against Pozo, which was a draw. Overall, we played well, so I believe we’re entering the Copa with positive feelings.”

Fernández acknowledged the confidence within the squad, emphasizing that “the Copa is a very special title and wonderful to play for.” He is returning from an injury and addressed his recovery, stating, “I’m happy to be back on the court. Every player enjoys competing for something so important.”

Regarding his physical state leading into the tournament, he noted, “We all wish we could arrive with more rhythm, but that’s the reality of sport, especially given the number of competitions we have with Barça. I’ve been gradually increasing my minutes during training and our last match. I believe I’ll be in good form for the Copa and happy to contribute to the team.”

In light of remarks made by team captain Sergio Lozano, who called it a failure for the team to exit in the quarterfinals against Industrias Santa Coloma, Fernandez agreed on the pressure to succeed. “With our badge on our chest, any title lost, especially in earlier rounds, can certainly be seen as a failure. I don’t like to use that word, but being Barça, that is the reality. We would miss another opportunity to win.”

As for the derby atmosphere and expectations, he said, “I don’t want it to even cross our minds that we could lose on Friday. We know this is futsal, it’s a derby, and anything can happen, but we need to be focused on giving everything to secure that first victory.”

Fernández also addressed past performances, acknowledging the previous match against Industrias Santa Coloma where Barça won 9-3, clarifying, “Ultimately, it will be a completely different game. The league match doesn’t relate to the Copa de España; it’s a different tournament where it’s do or die in a single match.”

In terms of pressure, he added, “They have nothing to lose, while we have much more at stake. They enter with maximum enthusiasm, just like us, as we have a lot of ambition and we want to win.”

Finally, on what aspects will be crucial in tipping the balance in their favor, he concluded, “It’s going to be a beautiful match that will likely come down to small details, and I hope we are at our best to take it.”