Sergio Busquets enters the weekend with a rising sense of optimism as the 2023 Spanish Super Cup final looms, a showdown pitting Barcelona against Real Madrid for a prize that could redefine the season. Lionel Messi’s departure still echoes in the background, and his captaincy legacy remains a benchmark for the club as it moves forward.
From the Catalan camp, the message is clear: ambition comes as standard. The approach to the Madrid match will be measured and disciplined, focusing on exploiting opponents’ weaknesses while keeping discipline off the ball. Coach Carlos Badia from Vallès stressed that Barcelona must be ready for Madrid’s strengths and vulnerabilities. The plan is not to chase domination but to manage the tempo and capitalize on crucial moments where control can decide the outcome.
Beyond the final itself, the Spanish Super Cup is framed as a potential turning point for Barcelona’s wider sporting project under Xavi Hernández. The team’s leadership is pushing to translate on-pitch effort into tangible trophies, with a focus on continuity and development. In public remarks, figures around the club underscored the importance of using this moment to solidify progress and provide a spark for players, coaches, and the entire setup. The sense is that success in this trophy could act as an extra push for the project to gain momentum, especially after a period of transition that included changes in the squad and staff.
No news of your future
The terms surrounding Busquets’ contract remain a topic of conversation, with the current deal set to expire on 30 June. While the club and its coaching staff express a desire to extend the relationship and keep Busquets as part of the blaugrana fabric, there are other avenues under consideration, including opportunities in Major League Soccer. The focus from the club is on the upcoming finale, with a clear emphasis on performance rather than negotiations at this moment.
When pressed for clarity about his future, Busquets was candid: there is no decision yet, and the most important thing at present is the final itself. On the generational transition, the midfielder offered a measured view, noting similarities to the way Lionel Messi handled turnover while highlighting the different personalities involved. He pointed to teammates who are alternately stepping into larger roles and contributing in unique ways. Nico is on loan, Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessié bring different gifts to the midfield, and each player’s contribution will influence how the team evolves. Regarding potential market options, Busquets signaled that those considerations belong to the club’s business side, not his personal agenda.