‘They never give up’… Marc Casado previews the upcoming crucial game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

After seeing off SL Benfica to make their way to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona have another difficult match awaiting them as they take on Atletico Madrid in a league clash that can end up having important implications for the La Liga race, as both these teams are contenders for the title.

This match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, but keeping in view its importance, there is already a sense of excitement among the players of both sides regarding this tie.

This was clear from the comments made by the Blaugrana midfielder Marc Casado as he appeared in an interview with the club’s official media on the eve of this game. As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the midfielder was clear that this is going to be a difficult game:

“It will be a tough match, as it always is when you play at Atlético de Madrid’s stadium. It’s clear that the extra time must have exhausted them physically, and mentally it was surely a hard blow, but we know they never give up.”

He also commented on the upcoming UCL tie against Borussia Dortmund and warned that his Barcelona team was ready for this match:

“There is no easy opponent [but] the team is confident, eager to achieve great things, and we are calm.”

The La Masia graduate admitted that this has already been a great season for him but wanted to ensure it will get even better going forward:

“I knew this was an important year for me. It was the step up to the first team, and I think that thanks to the confidence the coach and all my teammates have given me, I’ve been able to show my level. These are very good numbers, but what I hope for is to round them off with titles at the end of the season.”

Casado also addressed his competition with Frenkie de Jong for a starting spot:

“I’m a young player, and like any player, you go through ups and downs during the season. I’ve been in the elite for a season, or not even that yet. In the end, Frenkie is an amazing player. He has an incredible level and is performing incredibly well. I’m calm, I trust myself, and I’m waiting for the opportunity to give my all again and hopefully earn a spot in the starting eleven once more.”

“Frenkie and I get along really well, he’s a great person and an incredible professional… At La Masia, they teach us to have these healthy relationships with competition.”

It is quite good to see Casado not being too concerned about a starting spot and ready to play any role that Flick demands of him. Hopefully, he will still be able to contribute to his team as Barcelona approach the business end of the season and are competing for all the big titles.