FC Barcelona Manager Discusses Team Fitness and Strategy for the Crucial LaLiga Showdown
FC Barcelona, following their shocking exit from the UCL after the 6-7 defeat to Inter Milan, will shift its focus back to La Liga. Leading the league by four points, the Blaugrana will host Real Madrid in the match week 35 of La Liga.
Hansi Flick, who has had an edge over Real Madrid since his arrival, will be confident coming into the clash. Moreover, after scoring 11 goals against the Los Blancos in the past three games, they will look to decide the fate of the Spanish League on Sunday.
Barcelona manager Flick triumphed over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Final late in April. Being unheated in past four games, the Blaugrana will Come in as the favourites in front of their home support.
Insisting on how you can never rule Real Madrid out, Flick said in his pre-match interview that he was ready. Discussing the threat Carlo Ancelotti’s side possesses, Flick said:
“They’re a fantastic team who will also give everything to win … We must be ready to deal with both sides of their game. They can press man-to-man and are strong on the break, and they have an outstanding defensive style. That is what we’ll see this Sunday.”
“The Clásico is hugely important, and the staff, players, and club want to win it,” he continued. “We have the energy to get the victory. That’ll be our intention from the first whistle. We must show confidence … We’re not thinking about the standings; that’s not our concern. The only thing that matters is winning.”
Flick is confident that his entire squad is up to the task, so he praised Gerard Martín, Eric Garcia, Iñigo Martinez, and goalkeeper Szczesny. He also mentioned Alejandro Balde, who has just been declared fit, saying that “He might get minutes in the second half, just like Lewandowski. All are ready for this vital, must-win match”
Real Madrid are heading towards a Trophyless season with the fate of La Liga out of their hands. Barcelona, whose path doesn’t change much even if they go on to lose the El Clásico, will be looking to bounce back after the UCL exit.
Carlo Ancelotti is yet to register a win against Flick, with a record of 0-3. Missing out on Kylian Mbappe the last time around, Barcelona will be expected to be tested more than the recent affairs. However, Flick and his side will hardly keep quiet on the attacking front given their prowess.
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