Koke says Atlético will treat Barcelona second leg “like a final”
He spoke in the pre-match press conference
Atletico Madrid's Spanish midfielder #06 Koke gives a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg football match against FC Barcelona at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, on April 13, 2026. (Photo by Javier SORIANO / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Atlético Madrid put forward captain Koke to speak to the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona, and the midfielder addressed the game, his future and his coach Diego Simeone. “Thanks to him, the club has grown so much,” Koke said.
“Us players have followed an incredible vision to the letter. We’ve trusted him completely, and we continue to do so. “He’s my coach, he’s believed in me since he arrived,” Koke continued.
“We’ve never crossed that line of speaking about it, but he knows how much I care about him. People know how much I love him. ” Koke on making history for Atlético “Playing in the Champions League quarter-finals and having the chance to advance to the semi-finals is incredible.
We’ll treat it like a final, and we’re not (yet) thinking about the Copa del Rey final. ” View this post on Instagram Koke on Barcelona’s belief in a comeback “It’s natural for them to have that hope. But my teammates are motivated.