Flick: «Atlético? It’s always tough to face them» | OneFootball

Hansi Flick analyzed the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals between Barcelona and Atlético in a press conference. The Blaugrana coach took a close look at his opponent and was full of praise for Simeone’s side. Flick also avoided getting drawn into any debates ahead of the first Champions League meeting between Barcelona and Atlético.

MANY BATTLES AGAINST ATLÉTICO

“I think every match is different. The Champions League is the best competition in the world and everyone gives their best, both Barcelona and Atlético. We have to play against a tough opponent, they have great players, and we are ready to reach the next round, and that’s what we want.”

IS BARCELONA BETTER THAN ATLÉTICO?

“Wow… Atlético are a tough team. They have a very good attitude, a lot of intensity, they’re quick, and they have fantastic players on the pitch. We saw that on Saturday. They rested a lot of players, and the quality of those who played was very high. They love defending, they know how to do it in a low block, and it’s not easy to score against them. That’s what I can say. It’s always difficult to compete against them. There’s a lot of excitement around this match, but it’s played over two legs and we have to give our best tomorrow, while knowing that we still have to play at the Metropolitano. We’re looking forward to it, but we want to achieve our goals.”

ATLÉTICO’S INTENSITY AND THE PLAYERS AT RISK OF SUSPENSION ON BOTH TEAMS

“I don’t want to complain about the other team’s intensity. I only focus on what we have to do on the pitch, nothing else. I don’t like complaining about the opponent. I focus on what is in our hands, not arguing with the team, and that’s what I do. They also have several players at risk of suspension, so we’re in the same situation.”

FATIGUE FROM THE LEAGUE MATCH

“I hope it doesn’t affect us. It’s something you never know is going to happen. You don’t know whether playing or not playing is good or bad. We’ll decide tomorrow. I think we had to do what we did, because in La Liga we want to win and it was an important victory. Tomorrow is different, we all want to win, give everything, and show our best level. Everyone is watching the match and it’s a good opportunity to show our level.”

ATLÉTICO’S ATTACK DOWN THE FLANKS

“We try to prepare for every match. It’s not easy. Everyone has to help in defense, that’s what we need. To have a good structure, for everyone to work, not only in attack, but also in defense.”

CAN YOU PREPARE SOMETHING SPECIFIC IN SO LITTLE TIME?

“In recent days we’ve worked on recovery. Today we did something a bit more specific, but the players already know it. It’s good if that can be shown on the pitch. Training is important, not just the video room. We did that today and hopefully tomorrow we can show it.”

MEMORIES OF THE 4-0 CUP DEFEAT AND THE TEAM’S IMPROVEMENT

“Sometimes these things happen. I think that from that match on, we’ve done things better. In the end, we have a young team, they’re playing all the time, and I appreciate what they’re doing. It’s normal that in some situations they don’t make the best decisions, but that’s normal, they’re young. They’re improving their level and it’s good to see.”

PSYCHOLOGICALLY, HOW DOES BEATING ATLÉTICO IN THE LEAGUE AFFECT THINGS?

“I’ve said it before. This is completely different, it’s the Champions League. Every team has to show its best version. For me, it’s important to show our style, for everyone to be fully involved in the match, in defense and in attack. Of course, for me it’s important that we attack well tomorrow. I have the feeling that the connection between the team and the fans is good, and they know when the team needs them. And tomorrow we need them.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.