Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was full of praise for Atletico Madrid and opposite song Diego Simeone for the return leg of their Copa del Rey Semi-final, level on 4-4 of the first stage. Few parties have caused Barcelona as many problems as Atletico this season, but Flick said he was happy with how his direction responded to adversity.
Flick emphasized that he expected an Atletico team that the last moments would be in the game. In every match between the two teams this season, both parties held the lead at a certain point in the meeting, with 17 goals between three games.
“It is another match because it will be as a final for the final. Everyone wants to reach the final. Barca can be proud of what we do, we work hard on training and in competitions. It is not lucky what they have achieved. They have deserved everything they have achieved.”
“We are satisfied with the level of dedication, and I speak for the coaching staff, we see that they have the right answer in every situation. So far we have not come anywhere. It will not be easy. They have a great coach; they know how to play the way they want. They will fight until the last moment, until the last moment, until the last moment.
It was suggested on various occasions that with Atletico from the Champions League and now nine points back in La Liga, they can be even more dangerous with an 'all or nothing' approach.
“It's the nearest title there is, and there is time in La Liga. They have a very experienced coach who knows how to turn things around.”
“Some players have taken a few punishments, nothing special, it sometimes happens. But if it happens, we are prepared,” Flick noted and said he had not practiced fines specifically.
On Monday, Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for the performances of Hansi Flick and Barcelona, but the German coach refused to borrow clear headlines. He was asked what he thought of the words of Ancelotti and the playing style of Real Madrid.
“I think we can see that we are playing well. We play good football. I see it, and the fans recognize it. They are happy. I don't think we should compare ourselves with Real Madrid. You would like me to say something, but I won't. Real Madrid is fantastic, and so atletico Madrid and their coach. He knows everything.”
“We will see how it all ends, but I am happy with how things are going. We have to win titles, and as I said, we will give everything. We will see what is happening.”
He also hinted that there can be changes in Barcelona's approach.
“We have our idea how we can play tomorrow, we may change something. But you'll see tomorrow, not today, you'll see tomorrow.”
The two games are crashing three times this season, with Atletico won 2-1 in December, Barcelona won 4-2 in March and the two parties signed 4-4 in February. Los Rojiblancos is the only side this season to avoid the defeat against Barcelona this season and score more goals (8) than anyone else against the Blaugrana. Flick confirmed that Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha would be suitable for the Metropolitano, but his most important question is about a place in midfield.
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