Barcelona central defender Kubasi said in an interview before the El Clasico that he expected Real Madrid to "regroup and come with a desire for revenge" to fight back for the humiliation of being defeated four times by Barcelona last season. But he stressed that Barcelona must "stay strong in their strengths and trust our teammates" to achieve victory.

Q: After Inigo Martinez left in the summer, do you feel you have to take on more leadership responsibilities?

Cubasi: I have to take a step forward in leadership this year and help the team. Almost all of us play a leadership role, but I've really had to improve a lot in that area. I love leadership and it's in me, that quality of trying to be a leader and help from the back. The defender can see almost the entire pitch and all the space, which I think is important. Last season, because of the injuries on the defensive line, I had the opportunity to spend more time with Inigo Martinez and he helped me a lot in terms of leadership and playing more calmly. Although he has left us now, I think we have a very good central defender.

Q: There is a lot of controversy about Coach Flick's high defensive line. What do you think of this tactic?

Kubasi: All this is the result of training and analysis. This comes from a different philosophy, but this is what the coach passed on to us from the beginning and we have always implemented it in unity. From the outside it may seem risky, but inside the stadium it's not. It is important that we all unite and execute this concept in the best possible way.

Q: The team is currently full of injuries. What do you think of the upcoming El Clasico?

Cubasasi: The lineup is deep enough and the level is high enough to meet the needs of the national derby.

Q: How do you evaluate Real Madrid’s opponent?

Cubassi: Real Madrid always has the best players and the best lineup.

Q: Given Barcelona’s four wins last season, do you expect your opponents to have a revenge mentality?

Kubasi: They will regroup this year and come with a desire for revenge. We played better in El Clasico last season. We have to stay strong in our strengths and trust our teammates to bring us wins.

Q: What is your prediction for the outcome of the game?

Cubasasi: It feels good, and the team is very eager for this game.