‘We are disappointed, but we are also proud of what we saw’ – Hansi Flick at the end of the Barcelona Copa
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is struggling between a tone of pride and anger following their Copa del Rey semi-final exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid. The Blaugrana looked like they could make a comeback, going three goals up with 20 minutes to go, but Los Colchoneros held on to win 4-3 on aggregate to advance to the final.
Flick seemed to echo the thoughts of many Barcelona fans, that although their comeback attempt may be short, he is satisfied with the effort.
“We are disappointed, but also proud of what we saw. It was a great game; we created many chances. But in the end, it didn’t happen…”
“After the two defeats (against Atletico and Girona), we had a long talk with the team in the dressing room. I think the team is back. Everyone was good, Bernal was good, but also Cubarsi. He had one or two games where he wasn’t there. [at his best]but there is a reason for that. He is an amazing defender, one of the best defenders in the world. With football, the way he showed it today, it was amazing.”
‘We left everything there’ – Flick
At the final whistle, all but two of Barcelona’s players fell to the ground in despair and exhaustion. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have suffered costly injuries.
“Step by step. There is still a long way to go. In La Liga and the Champions League. We have to focus on the next, which is Bilbao and Newcastle, two strong teams. It is about recovery. The level we see is there. I can say that I am proud of my players.”
“I think we had a lot of chances to score the fourth or fifth goal, we’re disappointed, maybe the fans, but I think we can be proud of the way we played. We left everything out there on the field, and that’s what I want to see.”
🗣️ #FCBarcelona manager Hansi Flick reacts to their Copa del Rey exit. Full reaction to the press conference below👇pic.twitter.com/YXaAahL3kE
— Football España (@footballespana_) March 4, 2026
Flick: We have to show this level in every game
Atletico managed just two shots on target in the entire game, and it was arguably Barcelona’s most impressive defensive performance in months. Flick challenged his side to do it every week.
“Of course. We have to show this level in every game because we know it. But it’s hard work. As I said, now we have to recover, stay focused. Recover, eat well, focus on training…”
🚨 Raphinha: “I’m leaving proud of the team, we wanted the final and we deserved it after today’s game, but respect to Atlético Madrid who did very well. It’s not easy, we could have done better in the first leg, but if we play like we did today we will have an amazing end… pic.twitter.com/VvV2XKF9dt
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 3, 2026
Meanwhile, there was a return to the top flight for the first time in 18 months, after the club locked out fans due to a dispute over UEFA fines. Flick was asked if he wanted them to move forward.
“The reception at the stadium was great, the team was motivated, the best thing we can do is to build good relationships with people so that the players can win titles.”
Barcelona travel to Bilbao next to face Athletic Club in San Mames at 21:00 CEST.
