Pep Guardiola urges 'brave' Barcelona to attack Real Madrid in Copa del Rey final

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola insists his team will be ready to handle Real Madrid when the two giants meet in the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday night.

It's the second of four Clasicos between the historic rivals and a chance for Barca to grab some silverware.

"I guess it's a final where anything can happen and there will be a very festive atmosphere. We have to encourage our team and have respect for the other," he told the press.

The coach was asked whether he would use any special measures against Real Madrid after his side appeared to struggle with Pepe playing in midfield for Jose Mourinho's team.

"Real Madrid have many possibilities, but what matters is the essence of the concept. We have talked about what happened on Saturday, what was right and wrong, and whatever they [Madrid] do depends on what we do.

"We have to move the ball faster [to beat Pepe]. If we move faster the defence will come later. For everything else there is the referee.

"We have talked and we know we need to play better to create more chances."

Guardiola went on to reveal that Carles Puyol is back in the squad after he was stretchered off in the 1-1 draw at the weekend.

"Puyol is much better following the injury, which affected him for three months. He has trained at a good rhythm and he will travel."

Guardiola said he was open to changing tactics if necessary during the game.

"We can play in other ways  and we know what we have to do to win," he continued.

"The match at the Bernabeu is a reference point for us. We did some things well, and others not so well. We have to play deeper.

"We have to be brave and we have to try and win."

Madrid were accused of playing negative football, with Mourinho coming under fire from both Johan Cruyff and Alfredo Di Stefano.

"I don't want to criticise the work of a colleague. I don't doubt Di Stefano's Madrid background. They caused us trouble and my colleagues can play as they like," he said.

"Mourinho is a good coach, but I would never permit myself to give tactical opinions on the work of a colleague."

The Spanish coach then stressed the significance of what is at stake on Wednesday.

"It's a very important game for us and we want to win. We are fortunate to be here again and we want to do it," he continued.

"It's an honour for us to play the final against a great team like Real Madrid. Barcelona have some things which we don't and vice versa," he concluded.

The Copa del Rey final will be played at the Mestalla on Wednesday evening.