Hansi Flick Confident Barcelona Can Turn Season Around

Barcelona has suffered an injury setback with Lamine Yamal set to miss 3-4 weeks with an ankle problem, leaving manager Hansi Flick to find alternative options.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has vowed that his team will fight until the end to secure titles, despite their recent slump in form. Flick expressed his discontent with the team's current situation, emphasizing the need for improvement ahead of their crucial LaLiga clash against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Barcelona's impressive start to the season, which saw them win 14 of their first 16 matches across all competitions, has given way to a disappointing run of results. Sunday's 1-0 home defeat to Leganes, who are currently 15th in the league, marked Barcelona's fifth winless match in their last six LaLiga outings, highlighting the need for a swift turnaround.

Despite their recent struggles, Barcelona remains atop the LaLiga table with 38 points, tied with second-placed Atletico Madrid and just one point ahead of third-placed Real Madrid. However, both Atletico and Real Madrid have a game in hand, adding pressure on Barcelona to regain their momentum.

Atletico Madrid's impressive form only adds to the challenge ahead for Barcelona. Atletico has won its last 11 matches in all competitions, making them a formidable opponent in the upcoming clash at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick acknowledged the team's recent struggles but expressed confidence in his squad's ability to bounce back. “What I can feel in the city and the supporters know what the team is like. We lost five important players. (Attacking midfielder) Dani Olmo and (forward) Pau Victor are the (new) signings. The team has improved and is focused,” Flick told reporters on Friday.

“We are not happy with the situation, but we are going to fight until the end of the season. We want to win titles, but we know it won't be easy. But we want to win, that's what we want to do tomorrow.”

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is aware that his team will need to be at their best to secure a win against Atletico Madrid. The German coach acknowledged that there will be little room for error in the highly anticipated clash. “It's the end of the year. It's a great game. It's one of the best rivals,” Flick said, emphasizing the significance of the match.

Despite the recent setbacks, Flick remains optimistic about his team's prospects. He pointed out that Barcelona is still top of the LaLiga table and second in the Champions League. “But today is Dec. 20 and we're first in LaLiga and second in the Champions League. We are not bad. We lost some points against Las Palmas (2-1 loss) and Leganes, we have to recover them,” Flick added, highlighting the team's need to bounce back from recent losses.

Flick emphasized the importance of his team's youthful energy and determination. He acknowledged that the road ahead will be challenging, but expressed confidence in his players' ability to rise to the occasion. “Tomorrow is another game. We have a young team and we have to fight and improve. We want to achieve great things. But we know it won't be easy. We have to start fighting tomorrow. We are playing against great teams,” Flick said, urging his team to be prepared for the tough challenges ahead.

Barcelona has been dealt a significant setback with the news that 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal has suffered an ankle injury. The Spain international sustained the injury during Barcelona's recent loss to Leganes and is now expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks.

Manager Hansi Flick acknowledged the loss of Yamal, expressing a sense of resignation about the injury. “We have to accept that he is injured and won't be able to play,” Flick said, as he begins to plan for the team's upcoming matches without the talented young winger.