Long way to go in LaLiga title race, says Flick

Hansi Flick says Barcelona are not looking at the LaLiga standings, with strong performances their only focus at this stage of the season.

Barca could return to the top of the table on Monday if they beat Rayo Vallecano at the Olympic Stadium after both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were held to 1-1 draws respectively on Saturday.

Flick’s side sat in top spot for the first 14 matchdays but saw their lead slip as Madrid leapfrogged them, but the door has been opened once more. Barcelona are currently third in the table, and though they are three points behind Los Blancos, they have a superior goal difference.

Barcelona are not the favourites to lift LaLiga at the moment, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 32.3% chance of getting the silverware, with Madrid’s chances sitting at 50.5%.

“We don’t have to look at the standings. There is still a long way to go and what we want to show is a good performance,” Flick told reporters.

“I have the feeling that more and more, the team has more and more confidence in its strength and is having a good time. That is the most important thing.

“I have the feeling that the players want to show what kind of team they are and what mentality they have. And that’s great for the coaches… Our will is to keep improving, and I think that’s actually what we are doing.”

Having struggled in LaLiga late last year while missing 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal due to injury, Barca are now on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Barcelona have won their last three LaLiga games, having won just one of their previous eight in the competition (W1 D3 L4). However, after 13 consecutive wins between 2003 and 2019, the Blaugrana have only won two of their last seven meetings with Rayo in LaLiga (D2 L3) – although they have been the most recent two.

Flick remains wary of Rayo, who are on a nine-match unbeaten streak in the league, winning each of the last three.

“When I arrived, I was told that Rayo was a brave team. I’ve always heard that. Their coach [Inigo Perez] is incredible, and they are having very good results,” Flick said.

“What matters most to me, and my priority, is our team. That’s what we can do best. I know that it’s important for the environment to get the lead, and it would be important to gain confidence.

“But the first thing we have to do is play 90 good minutes and win.”

The Catalan side have also been boosted by the return of Ronald Araujo from injury.