‘We have to make the impossible happen’ – Hansi Flick on Barcelona’s comeback against Atletico Madrid
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has told his team that they must do the impossible ahead of their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg. They trail Atletico Madrid by four goals after a crushing defeat at the Metropolitano, but are now tasked with trying to come back.
Flick appeared to hint that star midfielder Pedri is unlikely to play a full game against Atletico, as he continues to work his way back from injury. In the game itself, he promised his team that they will not lose strength.
“Everyone knows what’s coming tomorrow. We scored four goals down and we have to do the impossible. That’s our goal. We know it won’t be easy, but we won’t give up. It’s important to keep a clean sheet and we have to believe we can do it.”
‘We have to avoid losing the ball when we face these types of teams’ – Flick
The Germany manager was asked if the key to the game was to avoid over-eagerness to score the opening goal and set up a comeback. His idea was that he wanted his team to avoid losing the ball in dangerous situations first.
“It’s always better to think about the first goal first. We have to be smart. We will be hungry to get it, and I want to see that hunger. We saw a completely different team in the last game, a lot of intensity in the game. We have to play together, as a team. That’s the key.”
“We always want to play our style. We thought about all the possibilities and gave us a chance. We played very well, and against Villarreal, a high level opponent. But we have to play as a unit, with the ball and without the ball. We have to press them and win the duels. Especially to avoid losing the ball against teams that make those kinds of changes.”
Fill in the fan role
The game will not feature a growing number of 60,000 at Camp Nou, after the City Council once again rejected Barcelona’s bid to open their fourth venue.
“You have to believe all the time, obviously. All the fans in the stadium will support us. We have a good example against Dortmund. We will score two goals in each half. We know it is difficult because the opponent is amazing and they hurt us a lot in the last game, but I think we can do it.”
It could see the return of the singing section on the pitch, as there are reports that the group will be exploring their return after an 18-month absence.
🚨 João Cancelo is expected to start with Alejandro Balde tomorrow against Atlético Madrid, and Hansi Flick could surprise with Dani Olmo as a false nine. [@javigasconMD] pic.twitter.com/BRhTFtsYVr
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 2, 2026
“For me, it is important that everyone who wants to support us does so during the game. We need to create a perfect connection between the team and the fans. We love this.”
Flick is not disturbed by the example
This German player when Barcelona came back from four goals down was against Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 in the Champions League, winning 6-1 in the second leg.
“I don’t think about the past or the future, the most important thing is tomorrow. Yes, we know the history, but our job is to do well tomorrow. We didn’t do well in the last game, and we want to see our best version and we want to see everyone support us.”
🚨 Diego Simeone: “Do you stop Lamine Yamal? He’s very good individually, especially in the third end. We’ll have to use any opportunities we get to attack his side. And we have to try to take him to places where he feels uncomfortable, which is… pic.twitter.com/aFrMtgf7Zn
– Atlético Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 2, 2026
The German manager would not reveal whether he would show the players a motivational video.
“I won’t say because it’s a private matter, I don’t think I’ve ever been in a situation like this but I’m not afraid of anything.”
