Hansi Flick warned his Barcelona stars they should focus to keep away from crumbling in opposition to Atletico Madrid on Sunday in La Liga as they’ve of their earlier two conferences this season. Leaders Barcelona are a degree forward of Diego Simeone’s Atletico, third, going into the large title conflict on the Metropolitano stadium within the Spanish capital. Barcelona led in opposition to Atletico within the first league match in December however Rodrigo De Paul levelled for the guests and Alexander Sorloth hit a 96th minute winner which helped them usurp the Catalans on the prime of the desk.
Then within the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg Barcelona let in two objectives within the first six minutes and two late objectives, together with one other Sorloth stoppage time strike in a wild 4-4 draw.
“I think we have had really two great matches and of course we have to be focussed from the beginning to the end of the match,” Flick advised reporters Saturday.
“I think in the first match, at the end of the match we were not so focussed like we can be, and also the second match was (the same) in the beginning and also at the end, so we have to take care about that.
“When you make errors Atletico can harm you and that is what we now have to defend in opposition to.”
Atletico Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday on penalties by rivals Real Madrid, while Barcelona beat Benfica to reach the quarter-finals.
Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez scored a penalty in the shoot-out for Atletico which was controversially disallowed because he may have touched the ball twice when he slipped as he took it.
“It was an unfortunate state of affairs, I really feel for him, he is among the finest strikers,” said Flick, adding that it was “not an issue” for Atletico to have played 120 minutes because of their squad depth.
Atletico coach Simeone was still upset about the decision to rule out Alvarez’s penalty.
“Normally I might (say I’m solely talking about) Barcelona, however this time the state of affairs deserves for me to clarify my feeling of anger, however it’s in my palms to proceed working in order that the staff continues to compete,” Simeone told reporters.
‘Rage and injustice’
“The feeling all of us have is certainly one of anger, rage and injustice.”
Flick has plenty of options himself with Dani Olmo seemingly ahead of Gavi in the pecking order for the attacking midfield spot.
Gavi and Barca defender Alejandro Balde were not included in the Spain squad to face the Netherlands in the Nations League quarter-finals next week, but the Barca coach hailed both players.
“(Gavi) got here from an enormous damage and he is 20 years outdated and now in the meanwhile he’s I feel, not the primary (alternative)… a harder state of affairs however he is doing nice,” said Flick.
“At the second our midfield is doing actually good. I’m comfortable he is right here and I feel he’ll play many, a few years for this wonderful membership and be one of many superstars right here.
“He can improve a lot, he will do this. His attitude is unbelievably good, he’s really focussed and really happy he is here.
“I feel for the World Cup 2026 he can be there and be capable to play, one hundred pc.”
Flick said Balde was “among the finest” left-backs in the world, and also praised veteran centre-back Inigo Martinez, who was called up for Spain by national team coach Luis de la Fuente.
“With his perspective and mentality he is unbelievably good for each staff,” added Flick.
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