Hansi Flick voices fitness concerns for Barcelona ahead of Atletico Madrid decider
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has admitted to concerns over his squad's fitness levels ahead of a season-defining week, despite seeing his side move nine points clear at the top of La Liga. The Catalan club defeated Espanyol 4-1 in a derby on Saturday, but the nature of the victory, which was only secured with two late goals, prevented Flick from resting key players ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
According to a report from Diario AS, Flick expressed his worry that pivotal figures such as Pedri and Lamine Yamal were unable to come off earlier in the match. Barcelona led 2-0 at half-time but saw their advantage cut to a single goal, forcing Flick to keep his starters on the pitch until the final minutes. The German coach, however, downplayed the long-term impact, stating the team has two days to recover and believes his players will be ready for the challenge in Madrid.
The upcoming match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano represents a monumental task for Flick's side, who trail 3-1 from the first leg at Camp Nou. Flick dismissed the notion that his team requires a miracle to progress, instead calling for a performance of their best football. He pointed to the team's resilience shown in the derby, where late goals from Yamal and Marcus Rashford eventually sealed the win, as a source of confidence.
Saturday's victory was also notable for a brace from Ferran Torres, ending a prolonged goal drought for the Spanish forward. Flick praised Torres's recent form in training and expressed his happiness for the player, suggesting he could be an important asset in the coming fixtures. The win solidifies Barcelona's commanding position in the domestic title race with just seven games remaining, putting them on the brink of retaining the championship.
Nevertheless, Flick was adamant in his post-match comments that the league is not yet decided, warning his squad against complacency. He emphasised the need to maintain a positive mentality and continue their strong form, which has been built despite a campaign riddled with injuries. The manager's immediate focus, however, is squarely on overturning the deficit against a formidable Atletico side, a feat that would require a historic European away performance.
The compressed schedule highlights the physical demands on Barcelona's squad as they compete on two fronts. Flick's management of minutes in the coming days will be critical, with the derby victory coming at a potential cost in freshness. How his team responds at the Metropolitano will not only define their European campaign but could also influence their momentum for the final push in La Liga.
