Hansi Flick on Raphinha, Cubarsí, Ter Stegen, Szczesny, Dani Olmo, the starting eleven and Atlético

FC Barcelona

Do previous matches serve as reference or do they need to change due to extra time?

It's going to be different. A very good opportunity. A final before the final. I want to reach the final. The same goes for us. My team plays well, we feel proud, we work hard... What they have achieved is fantastic, it wasn't luck. We deserve it, they deserve it. It's very positive. I want to thank the work of all the coaches, assistants, teammates... They play as we want them to play. At every moment, they give the right response. We won the Supercup, but that's in the past. We want to reach the final, but it's not easy. Atlético has a fantastic coach and they are convinced of their style of play. They know how to do it and they are there until the very last second.

Is tomorrow a significant day not for the title but for what remains of the season?

My attitude is always the same. Try and we'll see the result. The team has improved a lot. I feel very grateful for how things have gone for us, but this is football. Titles matter, but so far people are happy with the game, how the players have improved. I believe in what we can achieve. I am happy with the team, with how they are working, and with the locker room.

Without Olmo, the doubt about the starting eleven is who will play as attacking midfielder. Who fits best and what do you ask of him?

It's always the same. We have to find the right player in defense. We have several who can play well. We'll see tomorrow. I trust in all of them. They can do very well. We'll see... For these players, there are small differences. Today, I won't decide. Today, we haven't trained very hard. We've talked a lot in the locker room, not so much on the field. We'll see tomorrow.

Is Raphinha training, is he recovered?

Without a doubt. Ready for tomorrow. Absolutely.

Regardless of what happens with Ter Stegen, is Tek the number 1?

He was on the field today, he was fine. But we have to wait, when he improves we will see. It's not time to make a decision. We have to focus on today and tomorrow... we'll talk about this later. There's time. The important thing is that Marc is progressing well and we are happy that he is already in that recovery phase.

How is Cubarsí progressing?

Yes, he's ready. Just like Raphinha. We gave him more time to recover, and it was the right decision. Looking ahead to tomorrow, he'll be ready.

One less day of rest than Atlético, is it important?

Well, things are as they are. We don't know what will happen. We focus on the match. If 120 minutes or penalties are needed, we'll have to play and be ready. It's important to be focused from minute 0. There's a very good team that knows how to capitalize on mistakes in front of them. I'm not thinking about if there will be extra time, we'll see.

Is Atlético more dangerous when not competing for the Champions League and being far behind in the league?

Precisely because of that. It's the title they have closest. Just like us. There's a lot to play for in the league. The team is doing well. They have a very experienced coach who knows how to overcome those games. But there's still a lot to go.

Have you practiced penalties? How would you manage it?

It's always like that. In the end, some take penalty kicks. It's nothing special. We handle it as we always do. It's not special, but we'll be prepared.

Looking ahead to a long match, is it a game to think about changes or is it better to stick with the ideal starting eleven?

We have our idea. Maybe we'll change something. Today, you won't know.

Ancelotti was asked about playing style, does it bother you that it's not recognized that Barça plays the best?

I think we can see that we play well. We play good football. I see it and the fans recognize it. They are happy. I don't think we should compare ourselves to Madrid. You would like me to say something, but I won't. Madrid is fantastic, and so is Atlético and their coach. We'll see how it all ends, but I'm happy with how things are going. We have to win titles, and as I said, we'll give our all. We'll see what happens.

Do you expect Atlético to be especially aggressive?

Nothing changes. It's always their style. Their intensity is always high. It's nothing new. I love how they play football. With speed, rhythm... I love their style of play.