Barcelona coach Hansi Flick fires 'first-ever' shot at Real Madrid

Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, name-dropped Real Madrid when asked about detractors devaluing Barcelona’s Copa del Rey campaign because they have yet to face a first division side up until the semi-final.

The Blaugrana are set to face Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano on Thursday for the first of a two-legged tie of the Copa del Rey semi-final, as they continue to advance in the competition to defend their title.

Barcelona entered the competition in the Round of 32 and have since played lower division teams, advancing past Guadalajara, Racing Club and Albacete.

Ahead of the game against Rojiblancos on Thursday, a reporter asked Flick what he thought about people who disregard Barcelona’s cup campaign, citing the level of competition they have faced so far, and he responded coldly, “Ask Real Madrid.”

Los Blancos were knocked out of the competition by second-division side Albacete, which Barcelona dispatched in the quarter-final. Hence, Flick’s comments convey the message that there are no easy teams.

Such a comment, which can be construed as a direct attack at a rival, is not typically Flick’s style. Hence, another reporter asked, “Today you fired your first shot against Real Madrid when you reminded everyone that they were eliminated by a second-division team. Is this because you prefer avoid getting into arguments?"

Flick responded, saying, "No, no... it's not like that. That doesn't benefit me; it might benefit you guys, but it doesn't benefit me or my team. It's as simple as that.”

“But I think my answer was correct, because in any case we also have to respect second and third-division teams in the Cup competition. They did an amazing job, and that's why I said what I said.

"The lower division teams, they qualified for it, they have quality, and they've shown in every match that they're also capable of beating first-division teams like this season. And like I said, I don't mean to take shots at anyone; I have to focus on my team, on this club, on the fans, and on everyone."