João Cancelo says 'We have to control the match'
The Champions League is back and with a bang. Barça host Atlético Madrid for the quarterfinal first leg at the Spotify Camp Nou hot on the heels of the LaLiga victory against the mattress-makers at the weekend, with the elimination from the Copa del Rey to them still fresh in the mind.
João Cancelo joined in the pre-match press conference for this vital clash for the blaugranes, emphasising that “we have to control the match and try to get the victory in a competition that is very important to us".
The Barça fullback also discussed the route ahead in the Champions League and the hopes of the team, going on to say that “we all dream about going through the tie, but there is a team that wants the same as us. We'll do what we can and are highly motivated to go through and reach the semifinals”.
Self-assured
Cancelo is going through one of his best spells in blaugrana and he also assessed his form and how he has adapted to the team. “As the weeks go by and I train with my teammates, you would expect my talent to start to show. No one believes in me more than I do. I always try to help the team to achieve its goals", he stated.
He also took time to mention Raphinha's absence and what it means for the dressing room. “He is one of our leaders. He drives the team on and he is really feeling it because he knows how important it is for the team”, he explained. He also took the opportunity to mention Rashford, stating that “he will be ready to step up to the plate in Raphinha's absence”.
Lastly, he wanted to shine a light on Barça's playing style and the importance of Hansi Flick. “The dynamic and the pressure are different. We take risks, but that's the Barça way. Flick tells us to constantly press high and that way you can control the game most of the time”, he concluded.