Barcelona head to Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening with both sides looking to capitalise on morale-boosting Champions League victories in midweek. The clash will have the added element of spice in the form of Joao Felix, who returns to his parent club for the first time, and is expected to get an intense reception.
Ahead of the match, Felix explained to DAZN that he was looking forward to the match, admitting that it would be a ‘difficult’ atmosphere.
“I’m clearly aware that it’s going to be a very difficult environment for the entire team, against me it’s going to be a little worse. But I am a football player and I have to be used to that type of thing, but without distracting from football and the team, which is the most important thing.”
🗣️ “Tengo claro que va a ser un ambiente complicado para el equipo y para mí un poquito peor”@joaofelix70 explica a @Miguel_An_Roman en DAZN cómo cree que será su vuelta al Metropolitano 🔊#LALIGAenDAZN ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/8rD7Q1kaB9
— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) March 15, 2024
“It motivates me more, I like these important and spicy matches, there is an extra motivation.”
Diego Simeone refused to be drawn into controversy ahead of the match.
“I am very respectful of players who play on other teams. I don’t normally think about any of them and this is no exception. We played a beautiful game and from that effort we hope to play a great game.”
His counterpart Xavi Hernandez felt it could be a motivating factor for Felix, who certainly performed in the first match between the two, grabbing the winner.
“It’s made for the great players. Playing against Atletico you have to show a lot of personality. Tomorrow must be important, in the first leg they played a great game. We need a great image from all the players and from Joao too.”
Xavi: "Maybe Simeone has changed his way of playing somewhat, with more talent and differentness."
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 16, 2024
“Look, I personally liked the hostile environments. Joao Felix has a strong and brave character. He wants to show his talent and tomorrow both he and the team have to show personality. It has all the characteristics to have a great game for tomorrow”
The two clubs are set to discuss Felix’s future next season ahead of the match, with little clarity on where he might be playing next season. Los Rojiblancos are keen to find a permanent move for Felix, but Barcelona will not have much to spare in the way of cash in the summer, and given his performances this season, he will not be a priority for the Blaugrana.
🚨 BREAKING: Atlético Madrid is starting to work slowly on a forward for the next transfer window. He is a forward from a ‘top’ team.
[🥇: @rubenuria via @Objetivoatleti] pic.twitter.com/vxS0kPT0eS
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 16, 2024
