'This Barça are totally dependent on Messi'

Juan Antonio Pizzi offered his analysis of the Cup final between the team at which he reached his peak as a player, and Valencia, a team he coached briefly. He predicts an uneven final.

"It is unquestionable that the blow of the Champions League elimination will affect them, but Barcelona have performed very well throughout the season," the Argentine began to say.

The same could be said for Valencia, who finished the season strong after a weak start: "It will be a very tough match with two teams that try to play very well. The difference is that Barça have a player who is absolutely uncontrollable when he's at his best."

Pizzi analyzed the importance of Lionel Messi in the Azulgrana team and stated that the side are totally dependent on his compatriot.

"In recent games Barça seem to be absolute dependent on him. Not only because he has scored most of the team's goals recently, but because the entire offensive game plan is constructed around him, "he explained.

When questioned about the total capitulation at Anfield, Pizzi couldn't muster an explanation, but defended his former team: "Barcelona deserve the greatest respect being one of the best teams in the world. Not just this season, it's been one of the main competitors for ten years.

Finally, the Spaniard dared to suggest the key to the final: "The ball, it's all about that. The team who can do most with it will win. Barcelona, and Messi, feel comfortable on the ball and can do a lot with it. If Valencia get hold of it, they could make Barcelona pay."