Barcelona are focused on securing a vital win against Leganes this weekend, and manager Hansi Flick is ensuring that his team doesn’t get distracted by next week's high-stakes showdown against Atletico Madrid. With the La Liga title race heating up, Barcelona, currently at the top of the table, are aware that their recent dip in form has allowed both Real Madrid and Atletico to close the gap. Despite a challenging patch that has seen just one victory in their last five league games, Flick is determined to keep his players' attention firmly on Leganes, who are battling relegation and sitting in 17th place.
Speaking on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s fixture, Flick emphasized that his side’s immediate priority is not the upcoming clash with Atletico, but securing three points against Leganes. "Our focus is solely on Leganes tomorrow," Flick said during a press conference. "We must play with full concentration, respecting the opponent but ensuring that we play our game, sticking to our style."
Barcelona’s recent slip in form has intensified the pressure on Flick’s squad, with Real Madrid now just two points behind them, and Atletico only one point further back. Both Madrid clubs have a game in hand, which makes the upcoming weeks crucial for Barcelona’s title hopes. Flick, however, insists that this pressure should not be an excuse. "All teams are looking for our weaknesses and will fight to exploit them. We need to stay fully concentrated and not be distracted by anything outside of Leganes."
In terms of team news, Barcelona has been grappling with injuries throughout the season, but there is a positive update as key players are returning to action. Forward Ansu Fati, who has missed the last four league matches, and defender Ronald Araujo, who has been sidelined since the Copa America in July, are both nearing a return. While Araujo was included in the squad for Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund, he did not play. Flick hinted that Araujo could make his long-awaited debut of the season against Leganes, though it remains unclear whether he will start or come on as a substitute. "It’s possible he will start, but if not, he will play later. He’s ready to return," said Flick.
As for Fati, the manager also expressed optimism, highlighting the forward’s strong performance in training ahead of the match. "Ansu trained very well today," Flick noted. "It’s normal that after an injury, it takes time to get back to full fitness, but we’re glad to have him back in the squad."
On a personal note, Flick will be absent from the touchline for the next two matches after receiving a red card in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Real Betis. While he accepted the suspension, Flick made a point to address consistency in refereeing decisions across all games. "I understand the decision and will work on my behavior," he admitted. "However, I hope referees apply the same standards across all matches, not just when Barcelona is involved."
With the winter break approaching and the title race tightening, Barcelona must stay focused on the task at hand. Their next challenge is Leganes, but with injuries subsiding and players returning to form, Barcelona are hoping to regain their momentum as they approach the critical match against Atletico Madrid.
