Barca must make the impossible possible coach Flick on Atletico cup challenge
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick stated on Monday that his squad has the potential to overcome a 4-0 disadvantage in the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
The Catalan club will welcome Diego Simeone's team on Tuesday for the return fixture, following a significant loss to the Rojiblancos in February, and they require an extraordinary recovery to retain the title.
"We trail by four goals, thus our aim is to achieve the unachievable, that is our target for the upcoming game," Flick remarked to the press.
"Everyone understands it will be challenging, yet ultimately we persist without surrender, commencing this encounter with the intention of keeping a clean sheet, trusting in our abilities and our capacity to succeed."
Barca dominated Villarreal with a 4-1 victory on Saturday at Camp Nou in La Liga, featuring a hat-trick by young sensation Lamine Yamal, marking his initial career treble.
Flick noted that the winger will play a key role versus Atletico, although the entire squad must contribute for Barca to stage a reversal.
"The collective remains the priority," Flick commented. "His opening goal stemmed from an excellent ball retrieval and a superb assist from Fermin (Lopez), Yamal possesses the exceptional skill to convert it and position himself correctly at that instant.
"His subsequent performance was impressive to witness, truly delighted by it, but ultimately we require contributions from all, beyond just Lamine."
Flick described the display against Villarreal as a major advancement for Barca and urged his players to replicate it versus Atletico.
"We face an outstanding opponent, they inflicted considerable damage in our previous clash, yet we are capable," Flick affirmed.
"Smart play is essential, combined with the determination to realise it. In the recent Villarreal match, we observed a completely transformed side, with altered momentum and heightened vigour in our approach.
"Unity in play is crucial for tomorrow."
Barca must manage without sidelined forward Robert Lewandowski, but Pedri Gonzalez could feature from the start after limited substitute roles post-hamstring injury.
Make Lamine uncomfortable
Simeone indicated that his strategy to neutralise Yamal involves pushing him into defensive zones.
"Individually, he excels, particularly in creating opportunities near goal," the manager observed.
"We must exploit the opening this provides for our attacks in that zone, directing him to his least favourable area, which is defence."
Positioned third in La Liga, 13 points adrift of leading Barcelona, Atletico's prime shot at trophies this term lies through the cup competitions.
"Pre-season begins with aspirations to compete in all fronts by March. Admittedly, we lag in La Liga's summit race, but progress in the Copa and Champions League is positive," Simeone continued.
"We perform adequately in our positions, contending for our desired objectives."