After Lamine Yamal addressed the media in the pre-match press conference ahead of FC Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, it was the turn of manager Hansi Flick.
The German tactician knows that his team have an uphill battle ahead as they are trailing the Rojiblancos by two goals in the quarter-final tie.
However, rather than focusing on the result, Flick stated that he and his team will work on delivering a strong performance, and that the outcome will follow.
“First, we have to take the first step, and the first step is tomorrow. We have to focus on putting in a good performance rather than the result, because when we play well, we’re capable of scoring goals,” he started off.
Flick on facing Atletico Madrid and a comeback
Barcelona and Atletico have already met five times in all competitions this season. So, there is a strong sense of familiarity developing between the two teams and their style of play.
However, Flick stated that he expected a much different game tomorrow than the ones they have played, saying:
“I have a feeling it will be completely different to our previous matches against them because the atmosphere at the ground will be incredible.
“The fans know what’s required, and it will be tough for us, but I believe in my team and in what we can achieve – and it is possible; why not? That’s what we need to focus on.”
While giving credit to Atletico, Flick also outlined what his team must do to mount a comeback.
“I know we’re playing against Atletico, who are a team with some very good players, and we’ll need to put up a very strong defence but also be brave in attack, attack, press and make the most of every chance,” he said.
“If you look at the last match, that was perhaps the big difference between them and us; maybe tomorrow will be completely different, and that would make me happy.”
Focus on the performance rather than the result. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
On the mental and emotional factors and how they can impact the performance tomorrow, Flick explained:
“Mentality and attitude are important. Anyone who’s seen my team – I said this after beating Espanyol – will know that the connection between the fans and the players was incredible.
“And this shows the players the respect people have for our performances over the last year and a half, and that will have a positive effect on the team. Tomorrow, every positive aspect will be important.
“We have to believe we can do it, and I think the team is on the right track. In matches against Atletico, we tend to be the better side.”
On whether he sees tomorrow’s game as a final, Flick replied: “It’s not a final, it’s different, but I want to win. That’s what we’re aiming for tomorrow. We need to believe in it and be 100% focused on the match.”
On his players
Talking about Lamine Yamal and what he brings to the table, Flick stated: “Lamine has been putting in some very good performances in recent matches; I’m very happy with him, and what I tell him is that he has to keep doing these things.
“He’s one of the best in one-on-one situations, and we have to help him and give him the opportunity.”
At the same time, he added: “We have to play as a team; that’s the key for tomorrow. I’m not overly concerned about individual performances; we have many players of great quality, but so do they.
“I said that matches are often decided by moments, and I hope it goes our way tomorrow.”
Providing an update on the fitness condition of midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal, Flick said:
“Frenkie is better than Bernal. We’ll see today, but it’ll be tough for him. Frenkie might even start; we’ll see what we decide – we’ll make that call this afternoon.”
Gavi a candidate to start. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
On whether Gavi can start another game, the manager remarked: “Gavi can play, of course. He’s a player who gives everything to this team and the club, and on the pitch he’s not afraid of anything, which is a very good thing – we’ll see.
“Whether he starts in the starting eleven or not, we’ll see after training.”
Regarding Fermin Lopez and his chances of starting, Flick said: “Yes, he’s an option to start, yes.”
Flick also discussed the team’s style of play and how he wanted his players to approach the match, saying:
“The important thing will be to press them; if they aren’t under pressure, they play well out from the back and it’s not easy to defend against. We need good link-up play between our players.
“As I said before, there are matches that are decided by moments. The red card, the goalkeeper comes out and they handle the ball and it’s not a penalty… that’s football; we’ll see if luck’s on our side tomorrow. Fingers crossed.”
Concluding, the manager discussed the fact that Barcelona need many goals tomorrow to stand a chance of winning, saying:
“I’m not worried; it’s our style of play. We can defend better, but it all depends on the team. Everyone in the team must be involved and connected, and defend as a unit.
“Without the ball, we need to close down spaces and be more compact; that’s the way we want to play football. There are many situations where we’ve done that very well. And we’re capable of scoring goals.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
