Hansi Flick: 'The mentality of this team is excellent'

The semi-finals of the Copa del Rey are here. FC Barcelona face the first leg of their semi-final against Atlético Madrid at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys with the aim of getting the advantage in the tie. The second leg will be played in the Metropolitano on 2 April. 

Coach Hansi Flick faced the media on Tuesday ahead of the Copa clash. "Atlético Madrid are a great team. They have invested a lot in the squad and they are doing really well. They have the best defence and going forward they have some great players. We will have to be at our best," said the German coach.

Flick, however, has no doubt about the ability of his squad: "We are going for it in every game. We want to show what we can do. The team's mentality is excellent, their attitude as well, but above all the atmosphere. That's what I like best." 

"What I am really happy about is that we are united. Not just the players, everyone. That shows we are a great team. Everybody gives 100% to help the team and the players. I am in charge of managing it but there are marvellous experts surrounding the players. For the majority of the player to be in great shape shows you that, it's not easy." 

On the defeat in the game between the two sides in December in the league, Flick said, "What we learnt is that we can play great football, at the top level but if we have chances we have to take them," reflecting the last minute 2-1 reverse in a game the blaugranes dominated. 

Flick hoped for, "a full Estadi Olímpic," to help the team. "We need the fans to help us for this really tough tie," concluded the Barça boss.