Hansi Flick says Barcelona usually are not trying on the LaLiga standings, with sturdy performances their solely focus at this stage of the season.
Barca may return to the highest of the desk on Monday in the event that they beat Rayo Vallecano on the Olympic Stadium after each Actual Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been held to 1-1 attracts respectively on Saturday.
Flick’s facet sat in prime spot for the primary 14 matchdays however noticed their lead slip as Madrid leapfrogged them, however the door has been opened as soon as extra. Barcelona are presently third within the desk, and although they’re three factors behind Los Blancos, they’ve a superior purpose distinction.
Barcelona usually are not the favourites to elevate LaLiga in the meanwhile, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 32.3% likelihood of getting the silverware, with Madrid’s possibilities sitting at 50.5%.
“We don’t have to have a look at the standings. There’s nonetheless an extended strategy to go and what we wish to present is an efficient efficiency,” Flick advised reporters.
“I’ve the sensation that increasingly, the crew has increasingly confidence in its energy and is having a superb time. That’s a very powerful factor.
“I’ve the sensation that the gamers wish to present what sort of crew they’re and what mentality they’ve. And that’s nice for the coaches… Our will is to maintain enhancing, and I feel that’s truly what we’re doing.”
Having struggled in LaLiga late final 12 months whereas lacking 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal as a result of damage, Barca at the moment are on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Barcelona have gained their final three LaLiga video games, having gained simply one among their earlier eight within the competitors (W1 D3 L4). Nevertheless, after 13 consecutive wins between 2003 and 2019, the Blaugrana have solely gained two of their final seven conferences with Rayo in LaLiga (D2 L3) – though they’ve been the latest two.
Flick stays cautious of Rayo, who’re on a nine-match unbeaten streak within the league, profitable every of the final three.
“Once I arrived, I used to be advised that Rayo was a courageous crew. I’ve at all times heard that. Their coach [Inigo Perez] is unimaginable, and they’re having superb outcomes,” Flick mentioned.
“What issues most to me, and my precedence, is our crew. That’s what we are able to do greatest. I do know that it’s necessary for the setting to get the lead, and it could be necessary to achieve confidence.
“However the very first thing we’ve got to do is play 90 good minutes and win.”
The Catalan facet have additionally been boosted by the return of Ronald Araujo from damage.
