Barça faces Atlético de Madrid this Wednesday at the Metropolitano for the return leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. After the 4-4 draw in the first leg, strong emotions are expected. Hansi Flick wants the treble after winning the Super Cup, and the first step is this Wednesday.
Proud of This Team
-Atlético de Madrid-Barça
I think it's a different match, it's like a final before the final, and I want to reach the final. It's a great opportunity. We feel proud of this team.
It's not by luck that we've reached this point: we deserve it. Also, I want to thank everyone's work. In every situation, they give the right response.
We've won the Super Cup, but that's in the past. Now we want to reach the final, but it won't be easy because they're there until the last minute. They have a fantastic coach, they know what they're playing for, and they're convinced of what they do.
-Atlético-Barça as a Turning Point for the End of the Season
My attitude is always the same, you have to always try. We'll see the result. The team has improved, and I've told them so.
I'm grateful for what they do. But this is soccer. Titles count, but so far everyone is happy with the style, the play, and how the players have improved.
I'm happy with the team and the locker room atmosphere. We have to keep it up.
The Return of Ter Stegen
-The Official Substitute for Dani Olmo
We have to find the player who knows how to defend because we have to defend from the top, also in the offense. We have several options, and there are small differences: today I won't decide. We haven't trained very hard: we've talked a lot in the locker room and will decide tomorrow.
-Raphinha's Physical Condition
Without a doubt, he's at one hundred percent. He's ready.
Szczesny and the Return of Ter Stegen
We'll see, now is not the time to make a decision or say anything. We have to focus on today, and we have time.
The good news is that everything is progressing well with Marc, and we're happy he's at this stage. We'll see what happens.
Extra Time, Barça's Worst Enemy
Things are as they are, and we're focusing on the match, on the 90 minutes, and if 120 or penalties are needed, we'll play the same. We're facing a very good team that knows how to take advantage of mistakes, and I'm not thinking about extra time.
The Danger of Atlético Outside the Champions and Far in LaLiga
The Cup is the title they have closest, one match, and they're in the final, just like us. They have an experienced coach who knows how to win matches. In LaLiga, there's more to go.
The Comparison with Real Madrid
Penalties
We always train them, at the end of training sessions, some footballers practice them. But today, not in a special way. We're prepared.
Tactical Surprises for Simeone at This Stage
We have our idea of how we want to play. Maybe we'll change something: today you won't know.
Barça Is the Team That Plays Best
I think you can see that we play well, the fans see it too. I don't think there's a need to compare with Real Madrid. You'd like me to say something, but I won't.
Madrid is a great team with a great coach, and so is Atlético. At the end of the season, we'll see how everything ends. I have that hunger to win titles, and we're going to give it our all.