FC Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick, has made clear the enormous respect he has for Atlético de Madrid before the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. In the pre-match press conference at Montjuïc, the German coach highlighted Simeone's team's strength, noting that the rojiblancos have the best defense.
Flick on Atlético de Madrid: "They're an Incredible Team"
Barcelona recently faced Atlético in LaLiga, a match that ended with a Barça victory in the last minute. However, Flick insists that this knockout round will be different. "It's a new match, we're starting from scratch. Atlético is a great team, they've invested a lot and have the best defenders and strikers, it will be a very tough match."
The German coach also drew positive conclusions from his last encounter against the colchoneros. "We showed a very high level, we could have scored one or two more goals. When we have opportunities, we have to score. In a match, what matters is scoring more than the opponent."
A Demanding Match Against a Solid Atlético
For Flick, the key to the match will be taking advantage of opportunities, something his team didn't achieve decisively in the league match against Atlético de Madrid. The defensive strength of the rojiblancos, combined with their ability to create danger in attack, makes Simeone's team a very dangerous opponent in knockout rounds.
Additionally, the German didn't want to get into controversies regarding the rest difference that Benfica, Barça's rival in the Champions League, will have. "After what I've heard, Benfica has a week of rest. We're not happy, but it's not in our hands."
The Montjuïc Factor and the Support of the Fans
Barça will play the first leg at home, something Flick doesn't see as either an advantage or a disadvantage. "I don't think about whether it's better to play first at home or away, we can't choose. We want to play and we need the fans to give us their support."
With a solid and competitive Atlético de Madrid, and a Barcelona that continues to find its best version under the German coach's leadership, the knockout round promises to be thrilling. Flick is clear: if they want to overcome Simeone's team, they will need to show their best version from the first minute.