Cancelo talks Lamine, Gavi, Raphinha, Flick, Xavi, future ahead of Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

FC Barcelona square off against Atletico Madrid for a fifth time this season as the two teams meet in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals tomorrow at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Having beaten the Rojiblancos 2-1 over the weekend in La Liga, Barça go into tomorrow’s contest with momentum on their side.

And, ahead of the big game, on-loan defender Joao Cancelo, who has been in fine form in recent weeks, accompanied Hansi Flick for the pre-match press conference and spoke to the media, touching on various matters, including his future.

Cancelo on facing Atletico Madrid

Kicking things off, the Portuguese full-back explained what he and Barcelona are expecting from Atletico Madrid in tomorrow’s tie, saying:

“We expect the same from Atletico as we have in recent years. They are an aggressive team with talented players. We have to control them, as we did in the last match, and go for the win. It’s a very important competition for us.” 

Highlighting the importance of getting a positive result in the first leg at the Spotify Camp Nou, the former Manchester City ace added:

“It’s a very important match. We know we have to go to the Metropolitano afterwards, which is a very difficult ground. The ideal scenario would be to get a result and put us in a good position in the tie, but we have to be prepared for anything.”

It took some time for Cancelo to establish himself as a regular under Hansi Flick after arriving in January. So, when asked if he was at his 100% level now, he replied:

“I don’t know if I’m at 100%. As the weeks go by and training continues, it’s normal for my talent to emerge. What I’m trying to do is help the team achieve its goals. In the last match, we all played very well. I’m trying to help us get the win.”

On his future

Barça want to sign Cancelo permanently. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Cancelo’s impressive performances have prompted Barcelona to consider making his transfer permanent at the end of the season. The player, too, is keen on making it happen, but was coy on the matter during the presser.

“Anything can happen in football. I’m going to keep working, and I know what I want for next season. I want to help Barça stay in this competition and win La Liga. That’s the most important thing. My future isn’t relevant right now,” he said.

On being probed further about the topic, Cancelo noted: “There are always options. I have a contract with Al-Hilal and I’m on loan at Barça, but there are always options.

“Football can change in an instant. At the beginning, they had doubts, but now we’re not having that conversation. We’ll see in the end.”

Speaking about his sudden rise in prominence within the team, he stated: “There is no one in the world who trusts me more than I trust myself. No one knows about my battles, and I believe in myself a lot.”

On working with Flick

Cancelo then discussed his experience of working with Flick so far at Barcelona, saying: “He’s a very good person, very close to the players. He’s instilled this dynamic of aggression, and that makes him a different kind of coach.”

On the style and intensity of this Barcelona team compared to the one he played for previously, Cancelo remarked:

“The dynamic is different. With high pressure, we take risks, and I identify with those values. Flick has introduced the German style of pressing and jumping on the man closest to the ball.

“With this, you almost always have control of the game, but you take more risks.”

Cancelo has been in fine form of late. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

On being asked to highlight the differences between Flick and Xavi Hernandez, who was the Barcelona manager in 2023/24 when he was on loan, Cancelo replied:

“I am very grateful to Xavi, he helped me a lot. Hansi is different, not better or worse. Hansi has more experience, but I think Xavi will be a very good coach too.”

On his teammates

Regarding his teammate Lamine Yamal, Cancelo spoke very highly, calling him one of the top three players in the world.

“Nothing needs to be said. Lamine is the most talented player in the world, or in the top three. It’s an honour to continue working with him and seeing him in training. He makes a difference, and it’s great to have him on our side,” he remarked.

Talking about the youngster’s angry outburst after the match against Atletico on Saturday, Cancelo added:

“I saw it later. My brother sent me a video. I didn’t talk to him about it. I was so euphoric I didn’t see it. I think it’s all sorted out. We need him tomorrow and he’ll be at his best.”

Cancelo also lauded midfielder Gavi, who has recently returned from a lengthy spell out on the sidelines.

“Gavi is the heart and soul of the team. Not just on the field, but off it too. He’s a really cheerful guy. He’ll give you a hard time in training, and that makes us more intense. He has a huge heart. It’s an honour to work with him,” he said.

The Portuguese international also spoke about the injury blow to Raphinha, admitting his absence was a blow.

“Rapha is one of our leaders. He’s pressing the goalkeeper until the 90th minute. I can’t do that because I’m too old. He’s upset because we know how important he is to the team,” Cancelo stated.

“Rashford has to be ready to step up. We’re Barça, and we have to be ready to play.”

Concluding, Cancelo spoke about Barcelona’s chances of winning the Champions League, saying:

“Everyone in the dressing room dreams of this. Atletico has the same ambitions as us. The team will give everything to get through the tie; we’re very motivated.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo