Barcelona and Real Madrid presidents speak on the Spanish Super Cup ahead of El Clasico: “Very grateful”

The Spanish Super Cup was shifted to Saudi Arabia from Spain in 2020 as the RFEF changed the format of the competition from ‘La Liga winners vs Copa del Rey winners’ to a four-team competition featuring the finalists of the Copa del Rey and the top-two from La Liga.

It received a lot of criticism from the Spanish fans and players, who criticised the Spanish football federation for only catering to Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Most recently, Osasuna players also hit a statement against the organising committee after the semi-finals loss against Barcelona.

“The Super Cup is made for Barcelona and Real Madrid to play,” said Osasuna goalkeeper, Sergio Herrera after the game.

“I don’t agree with it, but it’s normal that they (the Saudi public) want to see these two teams and that’s why they pay them more.”

Since its inception, Real Madrid have won it twice (2020, 2022), Barcelona once (2023), and Athletic Club once (2021).

Now, ahead of the 2024 final, which is a repeat of the 2023 finalists in Barcelona and Madrid, both teams’ presidents spoke to the media to congratulate and thank Saudi Arabia, which will likely not go well with the La Liga faithful.

“Advantage for clubs”: Barcelona president Joan Laporta

“We are grateful to participate in this tournament, and not only for the advantages that the competition offers to the participating clubs,” Joan Laporta started.

“The fact that it is held here in Saudi Arabia, we believe, provides greater advantages to the participating teams. And it must also be said that it helps Spanish football. I appreciate this gesture.”

“Great opportunity to unite millions”: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez

“Football is a great opportunity to unite millions of people and here, in Saudi Arabia, we feel every the admiration and respect shown to our club and also to Spanish football everytime,” Florentino Perez said about the competition.

“I congratulate those responsible for organising the Spanish Super Cup and the Spanish Fooball Federation.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo