Flick: “The result is disappointing”

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has said that his team “dominated Atlético de Madrid for 80 minutes” in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday, but he was “very disappointed with the last ten minutes and the result” after letting a two-goal lead slip away (4-4).

“It is not easy to find answers now. We are disappointed with the result, but the game we played today was quite good. I am focusing more on this to keep the confidence of the players high, although we have to talk about the goals conceded. Four goals are too many. We have to learn from this,” the coach analysed from the press room.

They brought on three forwards in the second half, they have a lot of potential and are difficult to defend" Hansi Flick Coach of Barça

Flick described Atlético as “a fantastic team” and highlighted their attacking power. “They brought on three forwards in the second half, they have a lot of potential and are difficult to defend. If you give them the chance to finish, they are always dangerous,” he added.

The German coach stressed that he was “happy with the reaction” of his players after conceding two goals in the first six minutes, and pointed out that he has “a young team” when asked about the reasons that led Barcelona to concede another two goals in the final ten minutes, in which they lacked “energy”, he admitted.

“The tie will start 0-0 in four weeks and we are not giving up. We will be able to win again,” said the German coach.

Flick praised midfielder Pedro González 'Pedri', who he said “enjoys playing”, and also defender Pau Cubarsí, who he said “at 18 years old he plays like an expert who has played 350 games in LaLiga”.

Finally, Flick, who stressed that his team was “good with the ball” on Tuesday and had “many players at their best”, explained that Robert Lewandowski was substituted in place of Ferran Torres because the Valencian “deserved it” for his recent performances.