FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick spoke to the media on Monday ahead of the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Albacete, a single-leg tie to be played at the Carlos Belmonte on Tuesday.

And it's a competition he clearly enjoys, saying that “what I like about the cup is exactly this. Very often you get surprising results.”

Flick stressed the need for full focus, regardless of the opposition. “We always analyse the opponent" he said. "We have to adapt to their style, their stadium, and step onto the pitch with the right attitude and mentality. We have to be 100% concentrated.”

Reflecting on recent form, the German coach was pleased but demanding: “On Saturday we played very well against Elche and I’m very happy, but we still have to improve the small details. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about getting better. And we’ve improved a lot since the game against Chelsea.”

Trust in the squad was another recurring theme. “The team needs us to believe in them,” he commented.

Flick didn't want to give anything away ahead of a game in which rotations are a possibility, but he needs to avoid falling into same trap as Real Madrid. “We’ll have to manage minutes" he admitted. "But I won’t say who will start and who won’t.”

On the atmosphere inside the dressing room, the message was clear: “We’re in a fantastic place mentally. It’s not easy to get into this team. There are eleven players who start, but another five who finish the match and are also very important. Everyone has to be ready when it’s time to come on.”

He also praised the squad’s chemistry and the work behind the scenes. “We have fantastic players. The atmosphere between them is incredible. They’re teammates and friends. I’m happy with everyone. Deco is doing a fantastic job and will continue to do so, thinking about keeping players for the future.”

The only sour note was the injury to Raphinha. “I’m not happy about his injury" said Flick. "We’ll have to see what needs to change. We’re at an important moment and we need him. It’s not good for us that he isn’t available.”

Força Barça