Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has said he is not worried about his team's defensive strength ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, highlighting the team's ability to score more goals.
The Catalans must overturn a two-goal deficit at the Metropolitano to advance to the semi-finals.
Flick insisted that the team should focus on performance and not on the result.
"We have to take the first step, which is tomorrow. We have to focus more on a strong performance, not on the result. When we play well, we are also able to score goals," he initially said at the press conference.
"It's not a final, definitely. But in the end I would like to win it. That's what we want to do tomorrow. Everything is 100% focused here," he added.
He appeared optimistic about the team's form and the connection with the fans.
"Mentality and attitude are very important. The connection between the team and the fans is extraordinary. I think this shows respect for the performances we have made in the last 1.5 years. Tomorrow every person is important," said the German coach.
"We have often shown against Atletico Madrid that we were the better team," he said.
When asked about the defensive risk, Flick was calm.
"No, I'm not worried about the defense. It's our style of play. We can defend better, but it's a team issue. We have to be connected, defend as a unit, close down the spaces. We want to play football," he said.
He also added that the match could be decided by the timing of the game and the high pressure on the opponent, while admitting that the referee situation no longer worries him.
"I'm calm now. Everything has changed. I have no doubts," he continued.
The Atletico Madrid - Barcelona match will be played on Tuesday at 21:00 at the "Metropolitano", in the sixth meeting between them this season.
So far Barcelona has won three times, but the overall score is tied on goals scored (8–8)./Express newspaper/
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