Espanyol vs Barcelona La Liga – Hansi Flick Urges Focus As They Look To Confirm League Title in Press Conference

Hansi Flick Calls for Discipline and Composure Ahead of Thursday’s Decisive Catalan Derby With the League Title on the Line.

Barcelona are on the verge of clinching their 28th La Liga title. They now need only two points to secure the trophy. Hence, only a win in the Espanyol vs Barcelona clash could do the trick for them. They could clinch the title as early as Thursday night in a fiery Catalan derby against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.

The Blaugrana are coming into this game with all the confidence in the world. They defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid by a 4-3 margin, in a thrilling clash. This win took their points gap to seven. Now a win over their local rivals would mathematically confirm them as champions.

🎙️ HANSI FLICK: “For us, the most important thing is to be focused on our match tomorrow.” #EspanyolBarça pic.twitter.com/rPCMDGzBdC
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 14, 2025

Hansi Flick Cautions Against Premature Celebration

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick addressed the media ahead of the high-stakes encounter. He urged his team to stay grounded and focused. He also reflected on the chaotic scenes that followed Barcelona’s title win at Espanyol two years ago. So he reminded everyone to be respectful as well:

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to talk or think about celebrations before the game. You have to focus on the game… Whatever needs to be done, always with respect.”

Also Read: Empty Seats at the Bernabeu for Real Madrid vs Mallorca: Santiago Bernabeu Not Sold Out for the First Time All Season After El Clasico Defeat

He further stressed the need for full concentration despite the team’s strong position: “I don’t feel like we are champions yet and I believe my players think the same way. Sure, we are in a good position but you never know what will happen. We have three matches ahead of us and all our rivals want to beat us.”

Espanyol vs Barcelona Injury Updates and Squad Confidence

Flick also addressed the fitness of key players during his press conference. Young defender Pau Cubarsí, who was forced off in El Clasico, is expected to feature. Flick also confirmed that their star striker Robert Lewandowski is deemed ready as well. Lewandowski has been eased back following a muscular issue and should feature:

Also Read: Who Is Jacobo Ramon? The Hero for Los Blancos in Real Madrid vs Mallorca Clash

“Cubarsí? He’s fine. He hasn’t finished training yet, but he’ll be able to play tomorrow… Robert Lewandowski is fine, ready to play.” Flick also praised his team’s mental strength, especially after bouncing back from a tough Champions League exit, saying, “The mentality of the team is just remarkable. In the last four months it has not been easy… I’m proud of the mentality and the attitude of my team.”

As Barcelona prepare for the short trip to Cornella, Flick’s message is clear: play hard, stay focused, and celebrate only when it’s truly time. However, that could become hard to follow as this trophy will confirm their domestic treble this season. It will be special after exiting the Champions League after coming so close to seeing it all.

Barcelona

Espanyol

Espanyol vs Barcelona

Hansi Flick

La Liga

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.