Hansi Flick launched 4 sharp words directly targeting Real Madrid

Before the Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid, Hansi Flick unexpectedly answered skepticism about Barcelona’s path with a concise, pointed, and ironic statement directed at Real Madrid.

Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and before the first leg, Hansi Flick sent a short but meaningful message addressing claims that the Catalan club’s route this season has been “too easy,” accompanied by a subtle jab at their bitter rivals Real Madrid, who were recently eliminated.

Atlético Madrid is the first La Liga team Barcelona has faced in this season’s Copa del Rey. Previously, they only played lower-division teams including Guadalajara, Racing Santander, and Albacete to reach the semi-finals.

When asked about the opinion that Barca benefited from an easy draw, Flick gave a brief but clever reply. “Just ask Real Madrid,” Flick said, with a slight nod and a knowing smile.

The German coach was referring to the fact that Real Madrid suffered a bitter elimination by Albacete (a lower-division team) in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. Ironically, Barcelona later defeated Albacete in the quarter-finals, indirectly “taking revenge” for their great rivals.

Later, Flick was reminded that his statement might be the first “arrow” he fired at Real Madrid since taking charge of Barcelona. However, the German coach quickly clarified he did not intend to offend.

Flick shared: “That answer lets me avoid directly attacking Real Madrid. It benefits you journalists, but it doesn’t help me or the team. Still, I think it was the right response because we should also respect second and third division teams in the Copa del Rey. Albacete performed very well, which is why I said that.

Honestly, which path is easier? I’m not sure. Last season, we played Barbastro in the first round, then Betis and Valencia. The route was similar, but the results were much easier compared to matches against Albacete or Racing Santander this season. For me, the important thing is to respect those teams. This is the Copa del Rey; they qualify and have quality. They have proven in every game that they can beat La Liga teams.”

Last season, Barcelona defeated Real Betis and Valencia with an aggregate score of 10-1, while this season they only won against Racing Santander and Albacete with a total of 4-1. Nevertheless, Barca’s superiority remains clear in both stages, and the level of challenge will now rise to its peak in the semi-finals.

Ignoring outside opinions about past opponents, Flick fully understands the tough challenge Barca faces on the road to the final.

“I really admire what Atlético have shown. They are a great team with a clear philosophy, many skilled players, and they make it difficult for every opponent defensively. For us, this will be a very tough match. I watched their cup game against Real Betis and was truly impressed. ‘Cholo’ Diego Simeone has done an excellent job at Atlético, and I can clearly see that,” Flick said.

In the 2024/25 season, Barcelona eliminated Atlético Madrid with a 5-4 aggregate score after two dramatic Copa del Rey semi-final legs.

Still, Flick must deal with unfortunate injuries before the first leg on Thursday. Barcelona cannot afford to “dig their own grave” in the away match at the Metropolitano, or their dream of defending the title could suffer a nearly fatal blow.