Flick talks Gavi, Inigo, De Jong, Lamine, Balde, Alvarez penalty ahead of Atletico vs Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will lock horns with Atletico Madrid on Sunday in a vital La Liga clash that will have major implications for the title race.

The Catalans lost the reverse fixture at home and then failed to beat the Rojiblancos in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg as well.

As such, Hansi Flick will be gunning for his first win as Barcelona manager over Diego Simeone’s side.

Ahead of the match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Flick spoke to the media as part of his pre-match press conference, discussing various topics including Inigo Martinez’s recent national team call-up and Gavi’s recent lack of minutes.

On Atletico Madrid

Kicking things off, the Barcelona manager gave an insight into the team’s mindset heading into the crucial encounter, saying:

“I see the team very focused for tomorrow. We are looking forward to the game. It’s difficult, there are always things we can learn and help us improve. Tomorrow will be difficult, but we are ready.”

Flick then went on to add that Atletico will not be affected by their midweek UEFA Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid, saying:

“For me, they are a very good team, it’s not just three or four players. The Madrid match won’t be a problem, they are in top form, they have experience and I don’t think it will affect them too much.”

The Barcelona manager then sympathised with Atletico forward Julian Alvarez, who had his penalty ruled out during the shootout loss to Real Madrid due to a double-touch, as he said:

“What do you want from me? It was a very unfortunate situation, I feel bad for him because he is very good, one of the best at the moment. But I have nothing to comment, I didn’t make that decision. I feel bad for him.”

Flick sympathised with Alvarez. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Regarding his record against Atletico thus far since taking over at Barça, Flick added: “I think we played two great games and we have to be focused from start to finish. At the end of the first game, we were not as focused as we wanted to be.

“In the second one, it happened to us both at the beginning and at the end and we have to take care of those details. If you make mistakes Atletico make you pay for them.”

On being asked about Barcelona’s UCL quarter-final draw against Borussia Dortmund, he noted:

“I have a good relationship with Niko Kovac, he’s a good guy. But I don’t want to talk about that game, there’s a long way to go. We have a lot of games before then.

“Dortmund are a great team, they showed that when we played them. There are good teams in the quarter-finals, we are looking forward to it. But now it’s Atletico.”

On whether the Atletico game can be a decider in the title race, he stated: “There’s still a long way to go. It’s one game, that’s all. Of course, if we win we will gain confidence. It’s Atletico, one of the best in La Liga, fantastic teams.

“I always say that the teams in La Liga know how to play and it’s not easy to beat any of them. We are in a very good situation at the moment, maintaining a good level. If we focus, we have a lot of chances and potential.”

On the squad

Regarding the upcoming international break and players leaving for national team duty, he noted:

“It’s always difficult for the teams. But national teams are important. It is what it is and we will have time for other players to rest and recover lost energy. Spain will play two important matches and we will have a week for the next game.”

Giving his two cents on Inigo Martinez’s call-up to the national team, Flick stated: “My opinion is that he is playing very well, but it is not my decision whether or not he goes with the national team.

“The coach decides this and he is doing it very well, he also sees how Inigo is doing, with his attitude, his mentality….”

Flick believes Gavi will be important despite recent lack of minutes. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Of late, there has been speculation about Barcelona midfield prodigy Gavi, given that he has not been featuring regularly. Explaining the situation, Flick said:

“Of course I talk to him, to everyone. What can I tell you about Gavi, he comes from a very important injury. At the moment, he is not the first one after the injury. The second difficult situation is to come back, but he is one of our best players.

“Our midfield is very good. He will play for many years in this magnificent club and he will be one of the stars. He will improve a lot, I am convinced. He is very focused and happy to be here. He has hopes of being in the World Cup and I’m convinced he will be.”

Regarding the possible contract renewal of Frenkie de Jong, he added: “This is down to the club and of course the player. He has improved a lot after a major injury, he was out for a long time.

“He is playing very well, he gives us a lot of options on the ball, the possession with him increases. I’m happy.”

Flick also spoke highly of Lamine Yamal, who recently received praise from WWE legend and Hall of Famer, Triple H, saying:

“I see him the same as always. He’s always been confident on the ball, scoring of course helps a lot. He also provided the assist for the first goal. He is playing very well, his performance is very good. I don’t think that goal has changed anything.”

The manager also praised Alejandro Balde and how he has been performing this season, as he said:

“His season has been very good. He has improved a lot. He is at the level of the best left-backs in the world. A fantastic player. And I think he has a lot of potential, he wants to learn and improve every day. Step by step. That’s very good.”

Source: SPORT