Flick: "We Are Fine Despite the Defeat in Milan"

"We are fine. Everyone knows it's not easy after the defeat in Milan, but we are doing things well and have discussed what we want to achieve in these two weeks. The classic is important, we must show how well we can play and display confidence," stated Hansi Flick on Saturday during the press conference before his team's match against Real Madrid. The German coach appeared happy despite it being a tense week and assured that they are ready for the most important battle remaining in the league.

Barça has no time for regrets. On Tuesday night, they were in Milan facing a tough blow, and the next day they were already preparing for the match that could either leave the title almost secured or quite the opposite. "We have talked about what they think, their feelings. Everyone knows that in a classic, you have to give one hundred percent. We need to be active, intense, and dominant because Real Madrid is a very good team. We need the fans," affirmed the Barça coach.

The fans will fill Lluis Companys to the brim, preparing for another magical night in the classics. Not in vain, Barça has defeated their great rival in the last three matches, precedents that Flick does not consider decisive for the upcoming encounter on Sunday. "It will be different from the match in Madrid. We must be ready for their two faces. They can press man-to-man and are good in transition. They have an extraordinary defensive style, which we might see tomorrow. I hope we leave with the three points," he argued.

To achieve this, Flick will be able to count on several players who have been off the pitch for the past month. Robert Lewandowski, who already had minutes in Milan, Alejandro Balde, and Marc Casadó are now available, but they will have to wait for their chance from the bench. "I don't think they will play from the start. Gerard and the rest of the players are doing very well, and we must be cautious because we have three more matches left. They might get minutes in the second half. Balde is fine," Flick stated.

Improving the defense

Barcelona will contest the league with doubts in the defensive aspect. The team has shown undeniable offensive prowess, but in Milan, they once again displayed a fragility that cost them dearly. They have conceded ten goals in the last four matches, a record that does not make Flick doubt his playing style, even though they will face threats like Mbappé or Vinicius.

"It's about the whole team, not just the defensive line. We need to press where the ball is and regain possession. There have been matches where there were doubts, but we adjusted. The players have been improving, and I believe they are happy with the style, with how we want to play. We see the results. I expect a new title," he concluded.