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 massive 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 believe we’ve got had actually two nice matches and naturally we’ve got to be focussed from the start to the top of the match,” Flick informed reporters Saturday.
“I believe within the first match, on the finish of the match we weren’t so focussed like we could be, and in addition the second match was (the identical) to start with and in addition on the finish, so we’ve got to take care about that.
“When you make errors Atletico can harm you and that is what we’ve got to defend in opposition to.”
Atletico Madrid have been knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday on penalties by rivals Real Madrid, whereas Barcelona beat Benfica to succeed in the quarter-finals.
Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez scored a penalty within the shoot-out for Atletico which was controversially disallowed as a result of he could 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 probably the greatest strikers,” stated Flick, including that it was “not an issue” for Atletico to have performed 120 minutes due to their squad depth.
Atletico coach Simeone was nonetheless upset in regards to the determination to rule out Alvarez’s penalty.
“Normally I’d (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 arms to proceed working in order that the crew continues to compete,” Simeone informed reporters.
‘Rage and injustice’
“The feeling all of us have is considered one of anger, rage and injustice.”
Flick has loads of choices himself with Dani Olmo seemingly forward of Gavi within the pecking order for the attacking midfield spot.
Gavi and Barca defender Alejandro Balde weren’t included within the Spain squad to face the Netherlands within the Nations League quarter-finals subsequent week, however the Barca coach hailed each gamers.
“(Gavi) got here from an enormous harm and he is 20 years previous and now in the meanwhile he’s I believe, not the primary (alternative)… a harder state of affairs however he is doing nice,” stated Flick.
“At the second our midfield is doing actually good. I’m pleased he is right here and I believe he’ll play many, a few years for this wonderful membership and be one of many superstars right here.
“He can enhance so much, he’ll do that. His perspective is unbelievably good, he is actually focussed and actually pleased he’s right here.
“I believe for the World Cup 2026 he shall be there and have the ability to play, 100%.”
Flick stated Balde was “probably the greatest” left-backs on this planet, and in addition praised veteran centre-back Inigo Martinez, who was referred to as up for Spain by nationwide crew coach Luis de la Fuente.
“With his perspective and mentality he is unbelievably good for each crew,” added Flick.
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