Lamine Yamal and Hansi Flick expressed confidence in FC Barcelona's comeback against Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg. The young winger jokingly asked Cholo Simeone for a one-on-one matchup. Both emphasized team play and mentality.
In the Metropolitano press room, Lamine Yamal said Barcelona must start with intensity without losing their style. "We have to come out with intensity, but not lose our game and not think it's a miracle to come back", stated the 18-year-old winger. He jokingly asked Diego Pablo Simeone for a favor: "I hope Cholo does me a favor and puts me one-on-one with someone".
Yamal described the team as young but "very culé" that will fight for the badge until the end. He drew inspiration from LeBron James's Cavaliers comeback and Neymar against PSG, seeing himself as a leader alongside veterans. He has fully recovered from pubalgia and is ready for the match.
Hansi Flick avoided calling it a final but is "100% focused" on winning while keeping their style. "We have to focus on playing a good game, not on the goals", he explained. He praised Yamal: "He has played very well in recent matches. He has to do what the best in the world does, one-on-one". He gave no lineup hints, ruling out Bernal starting due to recent recovery.
Flick acknowledged the Metropolitano atmosphere and Atlético's strength but trusts the culé mentality will tip the balance.
