Rabat – Barcelona coach Hansi Flick gave a sharp reply when asked about his team’s run in the Copa del Rey. Some critics suggested Barcelona had an easy path because they faced lower-division sides. Flick dismissed that view, saying: “Ask Real Madrid.”
🚨 “What do you think of those who downplay the value of this trophy or try to strip some of its importance because no top-tier team has been faced yet this year?”.
❗️ Hansi Flick: “Ask Real Madrid”. pic.twitter.com/q1ANkjJdxZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 11, 2026
His remark pointed to second-division team Albacete’s elimination of Madrid in the round of 16 before losing to Barcelona in the quarter-finals.
Flick stressed that every opponent deserves respect: “We must respect second-division teams. This is the cup, and they proved their quality by beating top-flight clubs. Competing with Madrid is pointless for me, it’s just wasted energy.”
When asked if Atletico Madrid would be a tougher rival than Real Madrid, Flick kept his focus clear: “I only care about this match. Talking about Madrid doesn’t interest me. Atletico deserve respect. They are a great team.”
Looking ahead to Thursday’s semi-final first leg, Flick admitted Barcelona faces challenges. Marcus Rashford is not fit to play, which he called “bad news,” but he expressed confidence in his squad.
“It won’t be easy. Atletico are strong. I watched their cup game against Real Betis – it was impressive. Simeone has done excellent work with them. It will be a tough match.”
Barcelona will visit Atletico Madrid on Thursday at 9 p.m. (GMT+1) in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
The return leg will decide who advances to the final, but Flick made it clear his team’s focus is only on the immediate challenge, not on comparisons with rivals.
