Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, has emphasized the importance of maintaining concentration when his team faces Atletico Madrid in a crucial La Liga encounter on Sunday.
The Catalans, who lead the table by a single point over third-placed Atletico, have struggled to hold their ground in previous meetings this season.
In December’s league match, Barcelona initially led, only for Rodrigo De Paul to equalize before Alexander Sorloth netted a dramatic 96th-minute winner, pushing Atletico to the top of the standings.
Their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg saw Barcelona concede twice in the opening six minutes and again in stoppage time, with Sorloth once more finding the net in a chaotic 4-4 draw.
Reflecting on these lapses, Flick stressed the need for a complete performance.
“I think we have had really two great matches and of course we have to be focused from beginning to the end of the match,” Flick told reporters on Saturday.
“I think in the first match, at the end of the match we were not so focused like we can be, and also the second match was (the same) in the beginning and also at the end, so we have to take care about that.
“When you make mistakes Atletico can hurt you and this is what we have to defend against.”
Atletico enter the fixture on the back of a grueling Champions League quarter-final exit to Real Madrid, where they lost on penalties.
A controversial moment in the shootout saw Julian Alvarez’s spot-kick disallowed after he appeared to make contact with the ball twice upon slipping.
“It was an unlucky situation, I feel for him, he’s one of the best strikers,” Flick remarked, before downplaying any potential fatigue for Atletico. “It’s not a problem for them to have played 120 minutes because of their squad depth.”
Gavi’s Growth and Barca’s Depth
Barcelona’s squad depth also presents Flick with selection dilemmas. Midfielder Dani Olmo appears to have the edge over Gavi in the attacking midfield role, but Flick had words of encouragement for the young Spaniard, who is working his way back from a serious injury.
“(Gavi) came from a huge injury and he’s 20 years old and now at the moment he is I think, not the first (choice)… a more difficult situation but he’s doing great,” Flick said.
“At the moment our midfield is doing really good. I’m happy he’s here and I think he will play many, many years for this amazing club and be one of the superstars here.
“He can improve a lot, he will do this. His attitude is unbelievably good, he’s really focused and really happy he is here.
“I think for the World Cup 2026 he will be there and be able to play, 100 percent.”
Flick also praised left-back Alejandro Balde, calling him “one of the best” in his position, and highlighted the leadership of veteran center-back Inigo Martinez, who has earned a call-up to the Spanish national team.
“With his attitude and mentality, he’s unbelievably good for every team,” the Barcelona coach concluded.
As Barcelona prepares for a defining battle in the title race, Flick’s message is clear: focus from start to finish will be the key to success.
