Attitude, mentality and togetherness were three of the elements highlighted by Hansi Flick ahead of his team’s Champions League quarter final second leg against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on Tuesday. “We have to focus on our own performance. If we perform then we will be able to score,” confirmed the German coach in his pre-game appearance before the media in Madrid on Monday.
Turning around the 2-0 deficit from the first leg is not an impossible task for the blaugrana coach. “I believe in my team and I think we can do it – it’s possible,” added Flick. “I know we are up against a strong Atlético side with great players. We have to secure in defence and brave in attack. We have to take our chances as that was the difference in the first leg.”
Act like a unit
The coach thinks that “attitude and mentality” will be important, as everything starts with the belief that a comeback is possible. “We have to believe that we can do it,” said the coach, reminding everyone of the team’s excellent performances during his time as coach. The team needs to be “a unit” according to the German: “We need a good connection between our players. Defending is not just for the back four, we have to be connected, cut off space, that is the path we want to take.”
Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal
The German coach did not discount a start for Frenkie de Jong but at the same time said the situation for Marc Bernal was “more difficult” as the midfielder has travelled with the squad but is yet to be passed fit after injuring an ankle in the La Liga clash in the Metropolitano at the beginning of the month.
The coach concluded by hoping things go Barça’s way on Tuesday. “Often games are decided by moments, such as the red card for Cubarí or the possible penalty in the first leg. Perhaps things will go our way in the second leg,” Flick said in an optimistic end to his press appearance.