Juan Antonio Pizzi believes that this weekend's Copa del Rey final will be a close-fought contest but expects Lionel Messi to be key, given Barcelona's recent dependance on him.
The former Chile boss finds the tie hard to call, but thinks his former player Arturo Vidal has a part to play.
MARCA spoke with Pizzi and he gave his thoughts on both sides of the final.
It's a final with contrasting emotions on either side. Do you understand Barcelona position?
"Undoubtedly, the Champions League blow can have a big impact on them but I think they've performed very well this season. They won LaLiga Santander with games to spare and got to the Copa del Rey final."
Valencia, meanwhile are very happy.
"They've grown more and more happy and qualified for the Champions League again so now they want to win the Copa del Rey. It'll be a close match."
Lionel Messi and Barcelona will be without Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and maybe Philippe Coutinho. Will he be too isolated?
"If you look at the squad you see some of the best players in the wold around Messi, but it's true that they've been completely dependant on him at times. He's central for them."
As Chile coach you managed to nullify Messi in the Copa American final in 2016. How?
"We knew that we had to be careful with him and we played them the year before, so knew how to isolate and control him."
Can you explain Barcelona's collapse at Anfield?
"It's difficult. There are times when a team has new players and lacks experience and his happens, but it's not the case this time. It was surprising and it's hard to explain what happened. It hurt them a lot."
After the loss in Rome last season they reacted with an excellent Copa del Rey final against Sevilla. Can they do it again?
"I don't know if the same thing will happen. They have the incentive of the double so I'm sure they'll give their all."
Valencia were on the ropes a few months ago. How can you explain their turnaround?
"Changes are always costly, with players, owners or coaches, and Marcelino has consolidated his place and given the team an identity. If they win the Copa del Rey it'll be a historic season that is well above their expectations."
What has Marcelino given them?
"A philosophy. He's dealt with players from different places and there have been a lot of changes. It's all been reflected on the pitch."
Speaking of Messi at Barcelona, have Valencia got a franchise player?
"Dani Parejo is the axis through which everything passes. Not only because of his quality, but also his position. He's played there for a long time and identifies with the fans. He's their boss on the pitch."
What will be the key to the final?
"The ball. The team that uses it best will win. Barcelona's main weapon is control, so Valencia will want to take it away from them."
You know Arturo Vidal well. People say he's not a Barcelona player, do you agree?
?"He's had an excellent season and little by little he's convinced them with his way of playing and has found a way to develop the qualities in the team due to its lack of strength. He has technique, just look at the assist he gave to Messi on Sunday."
Do you think Antoine Griezmann has a place in the Barcelona team?
"He's a top player and they best have no problems adapting to clubs or systems. It's a surprise that he's leaving Atletico Madrid because he seemed happy. Atletico convince their players and they identify with the club, which is why his exit grabs my attention."