Following their UEFA Champions League win against Aston Villa on Tuesday, FC Barcelona are now set to return to La Liga action as they travel to the Spanish capital to face Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano in a top-of-the-table clash.
The Colchoneros are going to be one of the main rivals for the Blaugranes in this league race and as a result, Hansi Flick would be keen to get a good result against them, especially when playing away from home.
As [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20261107/1004247936/rueda-prensa-flick-directo-ultima-hora-fc-barcelona.html) has reported, the German coach held his customary press conference ahead of the match on Sunday and talked about different aspects related to his team.
The Barcelona coach confirmed that [two defenders will return to availability for tomorrow’s game](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/barcelona-duo-race-to-regain-fitness-ahead-of-atletico-madrid-encounter/):
**“Eric could start, and both he and Christensen will be in the squad tomorrow. I think Eric could be in the starting XI, but we’ll see.”**
On the other hand, he did not give a lot of indications about his midfield selections while praising Frenkie de Jong:
**“I haven’t decided whether Frenkie will start. It’s good to sleep on it. We know his quality, but we also know Bernal’s. He did very well in the last match, and I’m really liking what I’m seeing from him.”**
Flick also opened up on Rodri’s situation and his management:
**“You can always do things better, but in this case I spoke to the player and managed his minutes. He’s an experienced player, and we discussed it. We agreed on how to handle things. I can’t do any more. When you see the results, you think you could have done things differently, but that’s in the past now.”**
The German coach was looking only for a win against Atletico Madrid:
**“Every match is important. In La Liga, we have three or four excellent teams who are close to us in the standings. Winning at the Metropolitano is important; that’s our objective. We’ll do everything we can to win. There’s still a long way to go before the end of the season. We’ll go there looking to win, but they’re a fantastic team with a magnificent coach. It will be a demanding match.”**
The Barcelona coach again commented on the competition for the midfield spots:
**“Frenkie can play in several positions, not just as a number six. They’re similar players. Frenkie has more experience, but both are confident and decisive on the ball. Bernal has done very well and knows where he needs to be. I’m very happy with him, but I’m also pleased to have Frenkie back. We need to find the right starting XI, and we have time to make that decision.”**
Flick was not too keen to comment on some of his recent ties against the Colchoneros:
**“That’s all in the past. It’s not relevant to me. What matters is what happens tomorrow, when we play against a fantastic team. We want to win so that we can go into the international break top of the table. We’ve worked hard and want to show our strengths.”**
The German coach expressed his happiness on Raphinha’s renewal:
**“There are no words to describe Raphinha. This is the best possible outcome for the club and for Raphinha. I’m grateful that he’s renewed his contract. He’s a fantastic player, our captain, and very important to our club.”**
Naturally, Julian Alvarez also arose as a talking point in this presser but the Barcelona coach did not talk about him too long:
**“Julián is a fantastic player, but he plays for Atlético and I have to focus on my own team.”**
Despite some criticism, Flick was happy with Anthony Gordon’s performances:
**“Gordon gives us a lot on the ball. He keeps possession and doesn’t make mistakes. I think he could be a little more selfish in the final third. He’s done very well in recent matches and has raised his level. I’m happy with what he’s doing.”**
The German coach confirmed that Jules Kounde will not be available for tomorrow:
**“We expected Koundé to recover more quickly, but we have to take things slowly. We need to monitor his progress. Hopefully, he’ll be available after the international break.”**
The Barcelona coach was satisfied with the youngster Brian Farinas’ performances despite him playing out of position:
**“I’ve never seen Brian Fariñas play there (at right-back), but physically and technically he’s a great player. That’s thanks to La Masia and the way they educate their players, as well as the attitude they instil in them. He has Lamine on his side and does a very good job. He has the quality to play in this match. He performed at a top level against Aston Villa. He could play this Saturday.”**
Flick was once again asked about Alvarez at the end of his presser:
**“I don’t talk about players who belong to other teams. I focus on my own players, and I’m very happy with the situation in the squad. We have plenty of options in attack. There’s nothing more to say.”**
After having been eliminated by Atletico Madrid from both UCL and Copa del Rey last season, this is a good opportunity for Barcelona to get revenge from the Colchoneros. Hopefully, Hansi Flick will be able to lead his side to a win in this first match of the season against the Mattress Makers.