Barcelona and Atletico Madrid played out a dramatic 4-4 draw in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The match was a thrilling spectacle for neutrals, but left Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick frustrated with his team’s defensive performance.
In his post-match press conference, Flick expressed his disappointment over the four goals conceded, acknowledging the need for improvements in his team’s defense. He praised the team’s mentality and attitude, especially after coming back from a 2-0 deficit, but emphasized that minor details still need work.
“We have to work on this. We played a great game, but we conceded four goals, which is too many. Our mentality was excellent after going 2-0 behind, but we must focus on the small details,” Flick said. “We were strong in possession, and Atletico is a fantastic team. We defended well for 75 minutes, but we failed in the last stages. The fourth goal was especially hard to take. We’ll have to discuss it, but what matters is how we play. I am confident about the team’s potential, especially with how young they are. That gives me hope for the future.”
Flick also expressed his pride in Pedri’s performance, who again impressed with his skill and determination. The young star scored Barcelona’s first goal with a composed finish from the edge of the box, showcasing his talent throughout the match.
“Pedri cannot be described in words,” Flick said. “He loves playing football, and it shows in training and on the pitch. His joy is evident every time he plays.”
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