Hansi about:
... the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan: ‘We're only focussing on the first game. That's the first step. Inter are a very difficult opponent, their defence is one of the best in Europe. But they also have a very good midfield and their two strikers are very strong. They defend well, but their transition play is very dangerous. It will be a tough game, we have to be prepared for that.’
... the three consecutive defeats for Inter: ‘The Champions League is also a great opportunity for Inter to win a title. They're two games away from the final, and so are we. Everyone is giving 100 per cent now. It doesn't matter how the previous games went.’
... the morale boost after winning the cup: ‘When you win a Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid - that was very special. The emotions were great. But we are now focussed and have the chance to reach the final of the Champions League. That's the most important final. It's a dream for everyone to play in it. We have to stay focussed. Training today was good, everyone was focussed. We have to show our strength, how we want to play and how we can play. Our best form. That's very important in these two games. This win against Real is very important for the positive mood, that can also spur you on. We know that we have to work hard to reach the final. Inter have a team where some players are at an age where it might be the last chance to reach the final. They will give 100 per cent, that's clear. That's what we have to do too.’
... possible changes to the starting XI: ‘We'll see tomorrow. Today is not the day to talk about the starting eleven. We have one more day and tomorrow we'll see what happens, how they regenerate. Inter played on Sunday and had fewer hours than us. But it's a Champions League semi-final, everyone wants to give 100 per cent. If it's only for 45 minutes, that's okay too. We have players on the bench who also want to play in this semi-final. That's good.’
... the situation in goal with Wojciech Szczesny and the returning Marc-André ter Stegen: ‘Tek will play in the Champions League, that's clear. And we're thinking about maybe making a change in LaLiga. Tek is now playing in the Champions League.’
... Fermín López: ‘Fermín is always an option for the starting eleven. We made a different decision on Saturday. We start with the starting XI and we finish the game with whoever comes in. He did a fantastic job, he's a very good player for us in that position. He attacks deep, is able to overplay the opposition defence with the ball. He's doing great, he's improving very well.’
... Copa hero Jules Koundé: ‘Jules is a very professional player. For me, it's not just about the fact that he scored the goal, but also how he defends. There were a few situations where he stopped Real players. He was on the spot. It was great to see that. When I saw that pass and saw him sprinting, I was a bit surprised. But when I saw him reach the ball at the right moment, I was happy and crossed my fingers that he would score. Jules is playing at a top level and is very important for us.’
... his rumoured contract extension until 2027: ‘I think I will coach the team next year. I have a contract until the end of next season. I've already said: I'm very happy to be here and to work here. I love staying here in Barcelona. But it's not the right moment, because we're focussing on what we want to achieve as a team. That's much more important than my situation. It's about the players. They have to give 100 per cent tomorrow.’
