Cuenca plays down Athletic's Europa League defeat

May 10, 2012 6:45:00 PM

The 21-year-old attacker says that Marcelo Bielsa's side will not be more motivated following their continental defeat, but admits they will be a stronger side

Barcelona attacker Isaac Cuenca believes that Athletic Bilbao's defeat in the Europa League final will not have an impact on the Copa del Rey final between the two clubs.

The Basque side suffered a 3-0 reverse against Atletico Madrid in the continental final on Wednesday, which leaves the Copa del Rey as the only chance for them to claim silverware this season.

"I do not think they will be more motivated because they lost," Cuenca told the press.

"It will be a very hard and complicated match. I do not think they were nervous against Atletico, but they faced a very tough opponent.

"I guess they will fix all the mistakes they made yesterday and the game will be harder for us."

The 21-year-old also commented on his situation at Camp Nou, giving little credence to reports suggesting that he is on his way out of the club in the summer.

"I try to distance myself about what is said about signings or player exits because it will be the club to decide and then I will be told what I have to do," he noted.

"No one wants to be leave, not even on loan, because you do not know what is going to happen.

"But if the club decide that I have to leave, then I will, that is clear."

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