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Atletico Madrid's Spanish midfielder #06 Koke gestures during a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League semi final first leg football match against Arsenal at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on April 28, 2026. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Before the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal, Atlético Madrid captain Koke spoke to the media to address the big occasion.
“As the day gets closer, I get nervous and my stomach churns. It’s kind of like your first date with a girl you’ve just met,” Koke explained in his media availability on Tuesday. “But once you get to the game and start warming up, it all goes away. I feel the same excitement and anticipation as I would for a final.
“Then I stay calm to play the game, it’s only football, and I try to remain composed.”
Koke on Pablo Barrios
“It’s not just me who loses out. The team does too. He’s a crucial player with a tremendous present and future, though he’s had bad luck with injuries. We lose his energy, his footballing ability and his composure. I’ve spoken to him and said what needed to be said, and I hope he’s back as soon as possible.”
100% de Koke ante el Athletic:
100% balones en largo (7/7)
100% duelos ganados (4/4) pic.twitter.com/EImZKgXw83
— Atlético Stats (@atletico_stats_) April 25, 2026
Koke on the balance between intensity and composure
“Extremely important. We saw that in the quarterfinals against Barcelona. These matches are decided by small details. The level of the teams is incredibly high, and you have to be attentive to everything, keep a cool head to know when to attack and when to fall back, and maintain maximum concentration because it will come down to the details.”
Koke on whether this is his last chance to win the Champions League
“I don’t feel that way. I feel like I’m enjoying it immensely; you don’t play in a semifinal every year. Against Barcelona, we said it would be the seventh time Atlético has made it this far; this is my fourth. I don’t know if there will be another one, but I’m going to enjoy it just like all the previous ones.”
Koke on his performance over 120 minutes in the Copa del Rey final
“No, it doesn’t surprise me. As you get older, it gets harder, it happens to all of us players, but it doesn’t surprise me. Every day, I’m more motivated to be here, to keep doing this, and that motivation is what’s driving me to this level this season.”
Koke on a farewell gift for Griezmann
“If he could say goodbye with the Champions League, it would be incredible for everyone, but we’re just as motivated by the hope of winning the Champions League. Regardless of the fact that Antoine won’t be here next year, we’re playing to achieve the ultimate prize, and the ultimate prize is the Champions League.”
Koke on what’s different compared to previous years
“That we’re living in the moment right now. The past is in the past, and I don’t notice anything strange. We’re playing against a tremendous team, it’s a Champions League semifinal, and I don’t perceive anything different. I’m highly motivated.”
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