Flick demands ´100% focus´ on Leganes with Atletico blockbuster on horizon

Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to be “100% focused” on their showdown with Leganes, and not distracted by the following weekend’s visit of the in-form Atletico Madrid.

The Blaugrana have stumbled in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five domestic games, while seeing their lead at LaLiga’s summit reduced to just two points.

Flick’s side will look to get back on track against another side with only one victory from five league outings in 17th-place Leganes.

Barca then conclude 2024 next weekend with a blockbuster clash against Atletico, who have won each of their last 10 matches across all competitions.

But Flick has called for concentration from his side, who may have surrendered top spot should second-place Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

“Leganes is [on Sunday] and we are not thinking beyond that,” Flick told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

“You have to make decisions with the players. I have told the team that everything depends on us, on whether we play 100% concentrated.

“All teams are looking for our weakness and will fight to find it. I want us to be 100% focused, with respect for the opponent, but we must play our game with our style.”

Barca have had several injuries to contend with this season and have recently welcomed back the likes of Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.

And Flick revealed defender Ronald Araujo could make his first appearance of the campaign against Leganes, having been an unused substitute for the midweek Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund.

“What I have in mind is that he plays the first minutes of the season. I’m not sure if he’ll be in the starting 11,” added Flick, who will serve the first of his two-match touchline ban after his red card against Real Betis last weekend.

“Maybe, he will be in the 11, but if he is not, he will play later. He’s ready. After an injury, it is normal that it takes a while to reach the highest level. We love that, little by little, [players] are coming back.”

Good morning, Mr. Flick. pic.twitter.com/5XePobC535

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 14, 2024