Hansi Flick Concerned About Barcelona Players' Fitness Ahead of Atletico Madrid Showdown

Barcelona secured a victory on Saturday, defeating Espanyol 4-1 in their derby match at the Spotify Camp Nou. While the result was positive, the game was more tense than the home side would have preferred before ultimately getting the job done.

According to Diario AS, head coach Hansi Flick provided a brief analysis of the game and expressed his satisfaction with Ferran Torres's brace, which ended his goal drought.

"We dominated the first half and were leading 2-0. Everything seemed clear, but the game shifted with the 2-1 scoreline. Nevertheless, we can still improve, but I'm pleased for (Torres). He's in good form. I see it in training, and logically, he's happy with the goals."

Flick: La Liga Title Race Not Decided Yet

This win puts Barcelona nine points ahead of Real Madrid with seven matches remaining. They are considered strong favorites to win the league title again, but Flick remains cautious.

"It's not over yet. We still have our homework to do. We cannot claim it's already decided. This mindset is incorrect, and I won't accept it. Until it's mathematically secured, we must continue playing our best football. The team's mentality is crucial, and we will maintain it. I want us to demonstrate that on Tuesday.

"We don't focus on the negative. On the contrary, I always think positively. I reflect on what we've accomplished so far, which is fantastic considering all the injuries we've faced and are now recovering from."

Flick Worried About Insufficient Rest for Players

The fact that Barcelona held a narrow 2-1 lead until the 86th minute meant that key players like Pedri and Lamine Yamal could not get sufficient rest. Flick is concerned about this heading into the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid next week, although he doesn't anticipate it being a major hindrance.

"Yes, but we managed their minutes, and ultimately, the game's narrative changed from our expectations after it became 2-1. We have two days to recover. Players generally know how to recover within that timeframe. I believe we will be ready for Tuesday. We aim to go to the Metropolitano and compete strongly against Atletico."

Flick also shared a message for the Barcelona fans ahead of that match, as the Catalans aim to overcome a two-goal deficit at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

"We don't need a miracle; we just need to play our best football. And we are capable of doing that. Many things are possible. After being 3-1 up, we scored to make it 4-1. I know Atletico is a fantastic team, but so are we. We will fight, and I'm confident the fans will support us there and be ready."