Even though some factors are not in their favor, Barcelona’s coach remains optimistic about returning with the desired victory from the opponent’s ground.
Barcelona has been hit hard by injuries during this crucial stage of the season, leaving Hansi Flick to navigate through challenging circumstances. To retain the Copa del Rey title, Barcelona must now overcome Atlético Madrid in Peru. The Catalan coach acknowledges, “It will not be easy for us.”
The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final will take place on Thursday at Atlético’s Metropolitano Stadium, starting at 2:00 AM Bangladesh time.
Flick is uncertain about the availability of Marcus Rashford for this key match. Andreas Christensen and Gavi are already sidelined, Pedri is struggling with a significant midfield injury, and Raphinha is also out due to the same issue. Flick is fully aware of the tough road ahead.
He said, “We have some problems. Rashford isn’t ready; he had some pain, which is not good news, but I have confidence in the team. The situation is not easy for us. We will be playing against an excellent team. I watched their match against Betis and it was impressive. Cholo (Diego Simeone, Atlético coach) is doing a great job at Atlético. What I saw in that match, I really appreciate. It will be a tough game.”
“Step by step, we will monitor Raphinha. We need to take care of him. He gives everything for the team and is committed. If he feels anything, we need to be careful. That’s the situation. I’m not happy about it because, like Pedri, Gavi, Andreas, or Marcus, we need him too.”
Despite these difficult circumstances, Barcelona has some inspiration from past records. In the last three encounters, they have emerged victorious against Atlético. However, when asked whether he feels intimidated going into the opponent’s stadium with an injury-hit squad, Flick gave a careful response and also commented on the pitch conditions.
He said, “It’s a matter of feeling. You have to take care of your body and that’s what we need to do, and we have to help each other with it.”
“This (pitch) is not great. We need to be careful with the surface. Usually, conditions in Spain are excellent. I hope it will be good tomorrow.”
Last season, the two teams met in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. After an exciting 4-4 draw at home in the first leg, Barcelona advanced to the final with a 1-0 win at the Metropolitano, later defeating Real Madrid to lift the trophy. This time, the first leg will be at the opponent’s ground, and Flick is not yet thinking about the return leg at Camp Nou.
“Two matches will decide who reaches the final. Looking back, last season was tough. The first leg at our home was an incredible match. This is a two-leg contest; we have to play well. It’s more than just 180 minutes. We are prepared and want to play in the final.”
Flick is also keeping a close eye on Lamine Yamal and Jul Koundé, expecting more from them after a slight dip in form.
He said, “Jul is a fighter. He is always focused. We’re all human and sometimes you won’t have your best day, but he keeps fighting, even when he doesn’t get a good start. I appreciate what he’s doing.”
“Whatever Yamal does, I’m happy with it. On the field, he can always turn the game around. He is an outstanding player, and he has everything we love about football—dribbling, one-on-one skills, the ability to do it all. Watching him is a pleasure.”
