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Barcelona will tackle Atletico Madrid on Wednesday within the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final conflict on the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, hoping to safe a spot within the finals.
The primary leg at Montjuic in February was an entertaining affair that led to a 4-4 draw, which means each groups go into the second leg on stalemate.
Barça did beat Atletico 4-2 in La Liga lately after the primary leg and can have confidence and momentum behind them heading into tomorrow’s huge sport.
Forward of the match, Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick addressed the media in his press convention, discussing varied subjects together with the supply of key winger Raphinha.
On the sport
Speaking in regards to the sport and the way the group will strategy it, the German tactician famous:
“‘I feel it’s a distinct sport, it’s like a ultimate earlier than the ultimate and I feel we’re going to the ultimate. It’s an awesome alternative. We’re pleased with this group. It’s not by luck that we’ve acquired this far: we deserve it. I additionally wish to thank everybody for his or her work.
“In each scenario, they provide the precise reply. We gained the Tremendous Cup however it’s prior to now.”
Nevertheless, Flick acknowledged that Atletico Madrid won’t be a straightforward opposition, saying:
“We wish to attain the ultimate however it gained’t be straightforward. They’ve a unbelievable coach, they know what they’re enjoying for and they’re satisfied of what they’re doing. They’re there till the final minute, it is going to be very troublesome.”
On being requested if he thinks Atletico could be extra harmful within the cup tie, he added: “It’s the title they’re closest to however in La Liga, there are plenty of video games to play as nicely. There may be nonetheless a protracted strategy to go till the top of the season.
“‘They play like that usually: nothing modifications, they’ve their type. Their depth is at all times excessive, I like the way in which they play. With pace, with tempo and I like their type.”
One other showdown beckons. (Picture by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Photos)
On whether or not this match can outline how issues go for Barcelona in the remainder of the season, Flick remarked:
“My perspective is at all times the identical: we’ve got to strive, at all times attempt to we’ll see the consequence. The group has improved so much and I’m very grateful for the way we’ve got executed to this point, however that is soccer.
“After all, titles rely however I feel everyone seems to be pleased with what they’re seeing, with how we’re enjoying. I’m pleased with the group and what I see within the dressing room.”
Expressing his ideas about enjoying additional time or the match going into penalties, Flick mentioned:
“We give attention to the 90 minutes but when there are 120 minutes or penalties it’s a must to be prepared. For those who make errors in opposition to Atletico they know how you can make the most of them. However I don’t take into consideration whether or not there might be additional time.”
On the squad
With Dani Olmo out of the sport on account of an damage, Flick was requested how he deliberate to exchange the Spanish playmaker. In response, he mentioned:
“‘It’s at all times the identical: we’ve got to seek out the participant who is aware of how you can defend as a result of it’s a must to defend from the highest, additionally in assault. We have now a number of choices and I belief all of the gamers we’ve got, so : we’ll see.
“There are small variations: I gained’t resolve at this time. We haven’t educated very exhausting: we’ve talked so much within the dressing room. We’ll resolve tomorrow.”
On being requested if Raphinha is match and prepared for the conflict, Flick replied within the affirmative, saying: “Completely.”
On whether or not Pau Cubarsi can be able to play, the supervisor mentioned: “The identical as Raphinha. We have now given him extra time so he may recuperate, I feel it was an excellent determination. He’ll be capable to play tomorrow. He’s prepared.”
With Marc-Andre ter Stegen resuming group coaching, his return from damage is now getting nearer, which means Flick can have a call to make on whether or not to reinstate the German in objective or proceed with Wojciech Szczesny for the remainder of the season.
Closing in on a comeback. (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)
“We are going to see: step-by-step. When he’s higher we’ll see what occurs. Now is just not the time to decide or say something. We have now to give attention to at this time and we’ve got time,” Flick mentioned on the matter.
“The excellent news is that every part goes nicely with Marc and we’re glad that he’s at this stage. We’ll see what occurs.”
Concerning Robert Lewandowski’s function within the group and whether or not he might be part of the lineup tomorrow, Flick famous:
“We have now our thought of how we wish to play: perhaps we alter one thing, however you gained’t know that at this time.”
On whether or not his squad has been practising penalties for a potential shootout, he mentioned: “Nicely, it’s at all times like that. On the finish of coaching some gamers keep to take penalties.
“We haven’t executed something particular: we at all times handle it the identical approach. There may be nothing particular.”
Flick was then requested if he was bothered that in some circles it isn’t recognised that Barcelona play the very best soccer, to which he replied:
“I feel you possibly can see that we play nicely, the followers can see that too. I don’t suppose it’s a must to evaluate with Actual Madrid. You desire to me to say one thing however I gained’t say it. Madrid are an awesome group with an awesome coach and so are Atletico.
“On the finish of the season, we’ll see the way it all ends. I’ve that starvation to win titles and we’re going to offer every part.”
Supply: SPORT
