Hansi Flick talks Dani Olmo, Ansu Fati, Inigo Martinez, Dortmund tie, mental strength ahead of Barcelona vs Leganes | OneFootball

Up next for FC Barcelona is a crucial game in La Liga that could see them extend their lead at the top of the table. An away game against Leganes beckons, and it is an encounter that La Blaugrana simply have to win. La Liga is up for grabs, and Barcelona will want to make sure that it is theirs to win.

Currently, four points clear at the top of the table, the Catalan giants now have a chance to at least temporarily extend that lead to seven points if they win. Moreover, since they play before both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid play their games, they have an opportunity to put pressure on their opponents.

Ahead of the game, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was even asked to speak on several topics. As quoted by AS, he was asked about what kind of game he is expecting against a Leganes side that is currently fighting to stay alive in the league:

“They already beat us; they beat Atlético, and their results against Madrid were close. They defend very well and are dangerous on the counter. We’ll need to stay very focused. They’re fighting to avoid relegation, and it will be tough.”

He also provided an update on Dani Olmo, who will not be travelling with the team:

“He won’t play. He’ll stay here and won’t travel. It’s better for him to remain here and train.”

The Barcelona coach was then asked if the game against Leganes is more important than the one against Borussia Dortmund:

“Before every match, we treat the next one as the most important. Tomorrow, we’re playing away against a team that defends very well, and it’s important to maintain the same mentality as if it were a Champions League match. Mental strength is key.”

When asked if he had any message of calm following the recent demolition of Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League, Flick gave a determined answer:

“We’re in a process. We train hard and stay focused, and if you want to become champions, you have to prove it in games like these — not just in the big games, but also against teams that are fighting to stay up. These matches matter just as much.”

Moreover, the coach also seems to think it is better to play before their other league competitors get to play their games:

“If you play first and win, it puts pressure on them — that’s better. But in the end, we have to focus on ourselves. If we win every game, it doesn’t matter what Madrid does. We can only control what’s in our hands.”

Talking about rotations, Flick decided not to give too much away but did confirm that it is something necessary in such a long season:

“As a coach, I don’t confirm anything in advance. But yes, with so many matches, changes are necessary. It’s important to give players rest from time to time.”

The German coach also spoke about the physical preparation of the team, and why exactly it is such a crucial element for them:

“I believe it’s crucial to have a solid physical foundation. Deco has done an incredible job by bringing in an excellent staff. Everyone knows what’s needed — what the team and players need. Right now, we’re in a good moment. You might see a player tired one day, but the next, he’s fine again. I’ll decide tomorrow who starts.”

Furthermore, the Barcelona coach was adamant about suggesting that he would not take the second-leg against Borussia Dortmund lightly at all despite the 4-0 win in the first-leg:

“Do you think I’ll be relaxed in Dortmund? No, I won’t be calm. I’ve shown that I’m 100% focused on what we’re doing. Our fans deserve to see us play good football, and we want to give our absolute best.”

He was also asked about Ansu Fati’s possible participation when rotation is needed, following his recent appearance in quite some time as a cameo against Dortmund:

“We’ll have to see. I can’t say whether Ansu will start or get minutes, but I can say he’s currently training at a very high level — exactly what we expect from him.”

As for other players who are mainly being used as important substitutes or options to provide depth, Flick is quite clear about their importance to the team:

“It’s very important. A team isn’t just the starting eleven — it’s the 26 players we have. The key is that we’re a team, and anyone who plays can contribute. Everyone knows what’s expected of them.”

Lastly, the Barcelona head coach also spoke about what kind of change he has brought to the club to help them play better, and even praised Inigo Martinez while doing so:

“I’ve discussed this with my staff. The most important thing is that we, as a staff, speak the same language as the players — and I’m not talking about English or Spanish, but about ideas. That’s not easy, but no one questioned it — everyone bought in. Take Iñigo, for example — he’s adapted brilliantly and is playing at an incredible level. He’s a true leader and gives everything for this club. He’s a fantastic example for the rest. What he’s done is remarkable.”

During the same press conference, he also spoke about his potential renewal when asked about it. He decided to give a rather safe option, suggesting that he is currently looking to take things one step at a time and is hoping to first finish this season on a high note.

It now remains to be seen what kind of lineup the German coach decides to field against Leganes in the upcoming game. This is a side that has already beaten Barcelona previously this season, so Hansi Flick’s team now has an opportunity to get some revenge.