“I like what they do”

Hansi Flick stopped by a press convention to research the anticipated conflict in opposition to Atlético de Madrid. The German coach, who has already confronted Diego Pablo Simeone’s workforce on a number of events, anticipates an especially tough duel. The Badense coach didn’t spare his reward for the Argentine coach and is totally conscious of the calls for that this match will pose for FC Barcelona.

Removed from downplaying the dedication, Flick took the chance to reward Antoine Griezmann’s extraordinary efficiency. The French attacker is being one of many nice sensations of the season, simply now that his imminent departure for Orlando Metropolis within the MLS has been confirmed. It will likely be a really particular match, because the French worldwide will step onto the Metropolitan pitch for the primary time after asserting his goodbye.

“It’s at all times tough to play in opposition to them, they’ve probably the greatest coaches on this planet. I actually like what I see from Atlético. They’ve nice individuality; Griezmann is improbable, it looks like he’s dancing when he performs. Moreover, the environment of their stadium is at all times a differentiating issue,” concluded the Barça coach.

A coronary heart assault historical past between Flick and Atlético de Madrid

This can be Hansi Flick’s eighth confrontation as culé coach in opposition to ‘Cholo’ Simeone. Though the German has managed to win on a number of events, historical past didn’t begin properly for his pursuits. The colchoneros, carrying their grey equipment, attacked Montjuic with a 1-2 that catapulted them to the highest of LaLiga simply earlier than the 2024 Christmas break.

The present continued within the Copa del Rey with an unforgettable match. The crimson and whites struck rapidly, main 0-2, however Barça got here again to a 4-2 lead at half-time that appeared definitive. Nonetheless, the mattress push allowed Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sørloth to achieve a golden tie in a very nice recreation.

The third time was the attraction for Flick. Barcelona conquered the Metropolitano with a 2-4 rating, neutralizing the preliminary 2-0 rating by Julián Alvarez and Sørloth. The well timed adjustments of the Catalan bench led to the comeback with a double from Ferran Torres, a aim from Lewandowski and the sentence from Lamine Yamal.

The crimson and white revenge and the necessity to keep the fort

Within the second leg of that Cup, a solitary aim from Ferran Torres (0-1) left Atlético out of the grand closing in Seville in 2025. Within the League, the culés additionally received 3-1, even though Álex Baena put Atleti forward. It was a fateful evening for Simeone, marked by painful accidents to Cardoso, Llorente, Giménez and Baena himself.

🚨🗣️ Hansi Flick: “We are going to face probably the greatest groups in LALIGA and Europe. We should not make the identical errors as within the final recreation. I’m pleased with what I noticed from my workforce after the break and I really feel that now we have vitality and we should focus, and that’s what… pic.twitter.com/90RQx5NAXK

— FCBInformatiu (@FCBInformatiu) April 3, 2026

Nonetheless, soccer at all times provides revenge, and within the final cup tie, Barcelona lived a nightmare. Atlético received 4-0 within the first half, pushed by the newcomer Ademola Lookman, the incombustible Griezmann, a terrific aim from Julián and a superb Nahuel Molina. Though within the second leg the Blaugranas got here near successful 3-0 (double from Marc Bernal and each from Raphinha), the crimson and whites resisted.

Now, Atlético seeks to take care of the aggressive tempo. The workforce wants its second consecutive victory at dwelling in opposition to Barça to spice up its morale, particularly with a momentous tie simply across the nook.