Hancko urges patience before Atlético face Manchester United

“The final is still a long way off; we have to take things little by little,” David Hancko said ahead of Atlético against Manchester United in the second round of the Champions League. Selected to join Diego Pablo Simeone at the pre-match press conference, the defender put Atlético’s European ambitions into an immediate perspective: progress one stage at a time. He also gave his assessment of the upcoming contest.

Hancko made no secret of how exciting it would be to reach a final. “Last year we came close, and it would be fantastic to do it this year,” he said, before tempering that ambition: the team must stay calm, collect points in the group stage and allow results to build confidence. Playing the final at the team’s stadium would be “incredible”, he said, but that possibility remains far away. His comments combine the desire to aim high with a practical priority: deal with the first steps well.

The defender also discussed the team’s momentum. He said winning after the break had helped maintain a positive run and welcomed Pablo’s return, describing him as very important. Hancko stressed the significance of the first four Champions League matches and the value of playing at home, with the aim of continuing the current trajectory. Those immediate fixtures give his appeal for patience its meaning: points and confidence have to be built from the outset.

His view of Manchester United was both cautious and demanding. Hancko recalled that Atlético lost the pre-season match against United, but said the opposition had been missing many players then. He therefore expects a different contest. He considers his own team to be in good form, while also saying they must learn from that match: in his assessment, United have quality, physical strength in duels and the ability to run. Atlético will need to stay highly focused and create chances to trouble them.

Hancko also praised the squad’s depth and said the arrivals of Grimaldo and Cuti had improved the defence. He described Grimaldo as an attacking full-back who scores goals, and highlighted Cuti’s experience, composure on the ball and strength in challenges. Their styles complement one another, he added. Finally, he acknowledged Manchester United’s standing: second in the Premier League last year, the club remains a “giant” with top players, despite a poor start to the season. Hancko said his side would have to play at 100% and pursue points from the beginning. Before hosting Manchester United, his message was twofold: respect the scale of the challenge, but remember that a run towards a final starts with the matches immediately ahead.