At a glance
- FC Barcelona need to overturn a 2-0 deficit to advance past Atletico Madrid in their Champions League quarterfinal second leg on Tuesday.
- Hansi Flick believes in his players, and predicted an “incredible” atmosphere in the Metropolitano.
- Barca have already pulled off two remontadas in the league at this ground over the course of a calendar year.
FC Barcelona boss Hansi Flick believes a Champions League quarterfinal second leg tie against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday will be “different” to its first instalment.
The Catalans trail 2-0 in the tie, and need to become only the second side since Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United in 2019 to overturn such a deficit.
Speaking at a prematch press conference on Monday, after Lamine Yamal, Flick reiterated the weekend’s confidence in the getting the job done.
“I think it will be different,” he said. “The atmosphere will be incredible, it will be tough for us but I believe in our team. It’s possible, why not? We need to be brave and attack and press.”
Flick liked what he saw from Barcelona in the derby
Barca’s 4-1 thrashing of Espanyol on Saturday indefinitely boosted morale ahead of a difficult mission, and it also pleased Flick.
“Mentality and attitude is important. After the derby I saw an incredible connection between the players and the fans. This can be positive. Tomorrow we will all be important, we have to believe that we can. The team has to be brave, we are often a better team,” the German quipped.
Flick had injury updates for Barcelona
With Marc Bernal racing to be fit and Frenkie de Jong coming off the bench to provide an assist against Espanyol, the manager gave updated on both players.
“Frenkie is better than Bernal. It will be difficult for Marc [to make it]. Frenkie can start but we will think about it and decide this afternoon,” Flick insisted.
As ReadBarcelona reported last week, however, the Dutchman is expected to partner Pedri at the Metropolitano.
This comes amid the improved form of Gavi, who did well as a substitute in the second half of the first leg and played a good hour at the weekend.
With Pau Cubarsi suspended, it’s likely Eric Garcia forms a duo with Gerard Martin in the heart of the backline.
