Hansi Flick challenged Laliga leaders Barcelona to show their desire to be champions when they are confronted with relegation-threatened Leganes on Saturday.
With the second place Real Madrid who only plays on Sunday, the Blaugrana can clearly move seven points at the top with victory in Estadio Municipal de Butarque.
Although Barca are tough favorites against their 18th place opponents, they will certainly not be dragged along.
After all, Leganes were 1-0 winners in the reverse match in December, while also defeating Atletico Madrid at the beginning of the year, and the Madrid of Carlo Ancelotti gave a fear before they lost 3-2.
And Flick urged his players to treat the game with the respect it deserves.
“They are a team that defends very well and they know how to attack deeply,” he told reporters during his press conference before the game.
“We have to be careful in this match because we are first, and we have to prove it. They also fight against relegation. It will be a difficult game.
“When we talk to the staff, we consider every game that comes as the most important thing, because we only have eight games left, and they are all of great importance. We have to concentrate. It is important to show our strength for the full 90 minutes.
MatchDay!#Leganesbarça pic.twitter.com/eyoewskf4y
– FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) April 12, 2025
“We are in a process that started at the start of the season. We train hard, focused. If you want to be a champion, you have to show it. And you not only show it in the big games, but also in games like this.”
Flick also spoke about his contract, which ends at the end of next season, and insists that there is no immediate haste to extend his stay in Catalonia.
“I really appreciate and really enjoy what I have here,” he added. “This is unique for me in my career because I see an atmosphere in the dressing room that is fantastic. This is a family. I have a good time and I enjoy Barcelona.
“I have a lot of energy. I think of what we can do and what we can improve, because we can still improve a lot.
“I am not a coach who wants to sign a new contract for another three years, because then I may think: 'Well, I have room for improvement'. What I like works for this club every day.
“A year and we will see what is happening. That is the situation. And if we stay happy, we will see what happens. We don't know what will happen. I would like to put an end to the work I do here on a positive note.”