MADRID, April 19 -- Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola confirmed on Tuesday that Jose Pinto will play during the final of Wednesday's Copa del Rey against Real Madrid in Valencia.

Pinto, who is substitute to Victor Valdes in the La Liga and also in the Champions League, has played in all of the games of Barca's Cup campaign this season as he did in their 2009 Cup winning campaign and Guardiola gave him his backing to do so again.

"Tomorrow, it will be Pinto and 10 others. He has always played in the Cup and he will play tomorrow, as long as he is in condition to do so," said Guardiola.

"It would have been a lack of respect to him and the squad to do anything different, because there is no guarantee that we will win the final with Victor (Valdes) in goal. Pinto has always done well, he always plays well and it is important for us all to stay relaxed," said Guardiola.

The Barca coach also responded to questions over the fitness of captain, Carles Puyol, who was carried off the pitch during Saturday's 1-1 draw against Madrid with a hamstring problem.

Puyol has trained over the past days, but Guardiola was unwilling to say if he would be risked in the Cup final.

"He is OK with the injury and he has stood well, he had a muscle problem, but he will travel and then we will decide what to do," he said.

"I think it is going to be a Cup final where anything can happen. It is two great teams playing each other and they have great players. I hope it will be a festive atmosphere and that there are no problems. I hope the fans cheer on their team and respect their rivals," commented Guardiola.

【体坛英语资讯：Guardiola confirms Pintos return at Kings Cup final】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Indiana Jones tops hero poll

★ 体坛英语资讯：Trail Blazers hand 12th defeat to slumping Heat

★ 体坛英语资讯：Staying alive! Rockets rip Jazz 95-69 in Game 5

★ 体坛英语资讯：26-year-old Universiade athletics record shattered

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Colour, art prevail at Milan Fashion Week

★ 体坛英语资讯：Alonso crashes out of Japanese GP

★ 体坛英语资讯：Domanski still mum on coaching in China

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Bitten to sell Project Runway dress

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Mandy Moore plans peaceful life in France

★ 体坛英语资讯：Mourinho is Terrys choice for England coach