Flick concerned by fitness ahead of Atletico return, but backs Barcelona for comeback
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has expressed concern over his players' fitness ahead of a pivotal week, but remains confident his side can overturn a first-leg deficit against Atletico Madrid. The German coach, speaking after a 4-1 La Liga win over Espanyol, admitted the quick turnaround for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg is far from ideal, but backed his squad to be ready for the challenge. Barcelona currently trail 3-1 on aggregate after the first leg at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Flick's immediate concern is the physical toll of the 4-1 derby win over Espanyol, a match in which key players like Pedri and Lamine Yamal could not be rested until the final minutes. "We have two days to recover. Players usually know how to recover in that time. I think we'll be ready for Tuesday," Flick said, according to Diario AS. He acknowledged the situation was not perfect, stating, "Yes, we managed the minutes and, in the end, the story of the game was different to what we expected after it went 2-1."
Despite the physical and psychological challenge of overturning a two-goal deficit at the Metropolitano, Flick's message to his squad is one of defiant optimism. The victory over Espanyol extended Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga to nine points, and Flick is adamant the team can channel that momentum into a European comeback. "We don't need a miracle, just play our best football. And we can do that," Flick stated. "I know Atletico are a fantastic team, but so are we. We will fight."
The German manager was keen to temper title celebrations in La Liga, despite the commanding lead. "It's not done. We have to do our homework. We can't say it's already done. This attitude is wrong and I don't accept it," he emphasized. However, he praised his team's resilience through an injury-hit season, calling their domestic campaign "fantastic." The focus now shifts entirely to the monumental task in Madrid, with Flick's primary concern being the physical readiness of his squad after a demanding derby.
