Hansi Flick turns 60 today and during the morning training session, he received pats on the back from his players in an atmosphere of total harmony.
But there is no time for relaxation. Tomorrow, the first leg of the Copa semifinal against Atlético de Madrid.
-The last time with Atlético ended with a victory for the "Colchoneros" at Montjuïc.
"LaLiga Could Help Us With the Schedule to Beat Benfica, But It's Not in Our Hands"
-It's a new match, we start from scratch again. They are a great team, they have invested a lot, they have the best defense and in attack, unbelievable players. It will be a tough match.
Will Lamine Yamal be able to play?
-We have to wait and assess. I think he will be able to play, I have positive feelings.
-Do you still think the schedule is inhumane?
-From what I've heard, Benfica's match has also been canceled and they will have a week to prepare for the match.
LaLiga could change the schedule, but it's not in our hands. In Germany, you could talk to the Federation, here too, I hope it can be improved for the future.
Who Should Referees Protect?
-Do you think referees should protect players like Lamine Yamal more?
-Lamine or Vinícius, no, everyone. VAR should look at hard tackles to show red cards to prevent these actions. We have to protect the footballers if there is a foul.
It also happened to us with Dani and Casadó. There should be more sensitivity about it. If they see a yellow card, defenders might think twice before committing another foul.
In Spain, one-on-one is very popular, it's a special characteristic, also in Barcelona, the fans love it and we must take care of it.
-Is Dani Olmo ready to play 90 minutes?
-I think so, he is ready to start and play 90 minutes. For me, the most important thing is that he can start from the beginning, we have to take care of him and that's what we've been doing. The goal he scored against Las Palmas was very important.
-Is the season decided in the next 15 days?
-It always is. We go all out in every match. Tomorrow's match is the most important and we want to show what we are capable of.
"Tebas? I'm Surprised by Things I See in Spain"
-Tebas has said that Olmo shouldn't finish the season...
-Now he can play and that's what matters. The current situation is this, I'm very happy that he can play. We'll see what happens, I'm always surprised by some things that happen in Spain and in relation to Barça.
-Would it be better to play the second leg at home?
-We want to win every match, I don't care if it's at home or away. We can't say that we're satisfied with a point. We play at home with a full stadium, we need the fans tomorrow to face such a tough opponent.
-Is Frenkie de Jong the starting midfielder?
-In this position, we have very good quality. As of today, everyone is at a very good level. They can offer us different things.
We have to decide what will be best for us, but we'll do it tomorrow.
"This Barça Is a Family"
-Is this already the Barça you want?
-What I like most here is that we are united, all of us. We all like to wear these colors. We are, practically, a family.
Everyone knows what to do to help the team. I am responsible for managing, but we have wonderful experts who help the players bring out the best version of themselves.
It's very nice, it's not usual, we have a very young squad. We have 22 outfield players who are in good shape and it's not always easy. Everyone does an excellent job.
-How are you handling 60 years?
-One year older than yesterday. I didn't sleep much last night, maybe it's an age thing. I'm in good health, I have a wonderful family, and I'm at a great club.