‘They showed heart, they showed desire and they’re a Spanish team so obviously you know they’re going to play good football. Their coach knows how to play these sorts of finals so that also makes it tough, but we have to just look at ourselves and not underestimate anyone and go with 100 per cent in this game.’
He has no concerns about his fellow Blues being up to that challenge, though, insisting the squad is ready and eager for the 2021/22 season to begin after their summer break and pre-season.
‘I feel good and I think rest was needed, so now we’re back to work and it’s back to the time to give 100 per cent. We are feeling great. I think for a lot of players, they had a good pre-season and for some it was a bit shorter but we are ready to go.’