Barcelona midfielder calls for focus against Atletico Madrid – ‘We must match their intensity’

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has sent a clear message of intent, expressing his belief in the team’s potential despite the recent results. 

He reminded everyone that, even with some setbacks, Barcelona would have accepted the current position of being top of La Liga and second in the Champions League if offered at the start of the season. 

Looking ahead to the crucial clash with Atletico Madrid, Casado emphasized that the team was motivated and ready to turn around their recent form in the league.

“We are very motivated for Saturday’s match, we have already seen what we have to improve and the important thing is that we want to change the recent dynamic that we have in La Liga,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Challenge from Atletico 

Marc Casado is aware of the challenge Atletico Madrid will pose. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Casado acknowledged the challenge posed by Atletico, who will arrive on the back of a winning streak. He pointed out that Atletico’s high-intensity style of play means Barcelona must match it to have any chance of securing a victory. 

He also stressed the importance of showing up with the right attitude and being ready to battle for the top spot in the league.

“We know that Atletico plays with a lot of intensity and that, at the very least, we must match it to beat them,” he noted.

Reflecting on his rapid rise to becoming a starting midfielder for Barça, Casado shared his ambition to become a leader for the future. He revealed that his leadership qualities were evident last season when he captained the reserve team. 

“I hope I’m a leader for the future and I think I have a bit of a leader’s soul. I was already captain of the reserve team last season.”

Inspired by the greats

Marc Casado wants to be a leader. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Casado is determined to continue growing both personally and professionally, taking inspiration from Barcelona’s world-class midfielders like Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. 

He acknowledged that playing alongside such talented players pushes him to improve constantly and never fall behind. 

He also humbly admitted that being compared to legendary figures like Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Sergio Busquets is an incredible honour.

“Being compared to Iniesta, Xavi or Busquets, which I have heard sometimes, is something incredible,” he added.

Hansi Flick’s influence

Marc Casado appreciates Hansi Flick’s trust. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Casado also discussed the influence of Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s coach, on his development. He recalled a video from Flick’s time coaching the German national team, where the coach expressed his frustration with a poor performance. 

Casado reflected that while such moments can seem intense, they are part of what makes Flick an excellent coach.

“The truth is that I saw that video when the ‘mister’ arrived and I said ‘be careful’, but he is a very good coach and, therefore, there have to be moments of tension, even anger, but most of the moments with him are good ones.”

He appreciates the confidence Flick has shown in him and the team and believes the coach’s ability to manage the dressing room plays a huge role in their collective success. 

“He manages the dressing room very well, because he gives you a lot of confidence, both in me and in my teammates,” he added.