Flick: Winning Will Give Us Confidence, But the Journey is Still Long

Hans Flick, the head coach of FC Barcelona, held a press conference to discuss the upcoming match against Atletico Madrid, touching on various issues related to the team, including the fatigue of the opponent, the status of Julian Alvarez, and the future of some players like Gavi and De Jong.

Regarding the match against Atletico Madrid, Flick said: "The team is fully focused; we have a great desire to play this match. We know it will be difficult, but we are completely ready for it. Atletico is not just 11 players; they have a wonderful group of experienced players who are at their best. I don't think the fatigue from the Champions League match will affect them."

He continued: "We faced them twice this season, and in the first match, we did not maintain our focus until the end, while in the second, we recognized the importance of handling details more accurately."

On the competition for La Liga, he said: "The match is important, but there are still many rounds left in La Liga. Winning will give us more confidence, but it won’t be decisive. We are competing against strong teams like Real Madrid, Atletico, and Athletic Bilbao, and we are in a very good position."

When asked about Julian Alvarez and the controversial penalty, he replied: "Honestly, I don't want to comment on the incident; it wasn't my decision, but I felt sorry for him because he is a wonderful player and one of the best strikers."

Regarding the international break, he said: "It's not easy to manage, but it's necessary. We have time for the players to rest and regain their energy. The participation of national teams like Spain and France in friendly matches is normal, and there will be time to prepare later."

He continued discussing Gavi's future with Barcelona, saying: "Gavi is an exceptional player; he suffered a serious injury, but he is working hard to return. I believe he will be a great star at Barcelona and will play many years at this wonderful club. His future is bright, and he will be ready for the 2026 World Cup."

On Inigo Martinez's performance, he said: "Inigo is performing wonderfully. I can't judge the national team selections, but the coach has noticed how much he has developed. He has a unique mentality and is an important asset for the team."

On De Jong's contract renewal, he said: "It is up to the club and the player. Since recovering from his injury, his level has clearly improved. He has a wonderful ability to control the ball and increase possession."

Regarding Lamine Yamal and Balde's development, he said: "Lamine is an exceptional player; his confidence on the ball has not changed before or after his goal against Benfica. He is performing at a high level and is constantly developing. Balde has had an amazing half-season; he is one of the best left-backs right now, has immense potential, and is improving day by day."

On the upcoming clash against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, he said: "I have a great relationship with Kovac, but I don't want to talk about that match as it is still far away. Dortmund is in good shape; they have a strong team. We are happy to qualify for the quarter-finals, but we must focus on Atletico."