LaLiga leaders Barcelona will face a tough test against Leganes on Saturday, with manager Hansi Flick warning that the home side will not be taken lightly. Despite having the opportunity to extend their four-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid, Flick emphasized that Leganes are fighting for survival and will be a challenging opponent.
“They’re a team that defends very well and they know how to attack deep. We have to be careful in this match because now we’re first and we have to prove it. They’re also fighting against relegation. It will be a tough game,” Flick told reporters on Friday.
The Catalans are looking to avenge their shock 1-0 home loss to Leganes in December, and Flick stressed the importance of focusing on every game as the season draws to a close.
“When we talk to the staff, we consider every game coming up as the most important because we only have eight games left and they are all of great importance… We have to focus. It’s important to show our strength for the full 90 minutes,” Flick said.
“We’re in a process that started at the beginning of the season. We train hard, focused. If you want to be a champion, you have to show it. And you show it not only in the big games, but also in games like this one.”
Midfielder Dani Olmo will miss the match due to an adductor injury, and Flick confirmed that he will stay behind to rest and recover.
The German coach also addressed his contract situation, which runs until June 2026. Flick expressed his appreciation for the club and the atmosphere in the locker room, saying, “I really appreciate and enjoy what I have here… This for me is unique in my career because I see in the locker room an atmosphere that is fantastic. This is a family…”
Flick emphasized his focus on the present, saying, “I have a lot of energy, I’m thinking about what we can do and what we can improve because we can still improve a lot. I’m not a coach who wants to sign a new contract for three more years, because then I might think, ‘Well, I have room for improvement’. What I like is to work day-by-day for this club.”
“I work day-by-day. I would like to end the work I do here on a positive note,” Flick concluded.