Hansi Flick Downplays Barcelona's LaLiga Lead Over Struggling Real Madrid

Hansi Flick warns Barcelona against complacency in LaLiga

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has downplayed his team's LaLiga lead, saying their four-point cushion over struggling Real Madrid means little and the real test is staying focused for the rest of the season.

Flick emphasized that there's still a long way to go and Barcelona needs to keep improving...

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has downplayed his team's lead at the top of LaLiga, warning that their four-point cushion over Real Madrid means little and the real test is staying focused for the rest of the season. Flick emphasized that there's still a long way to go, saying, “It's a long road ahead. It's December, and we've got a lot to play for.”

Flick's comments come after Barcelona's impressive 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, which marked their fourth consecutive victory. The team is currently on a roll, but Flick is urging his players not to get complacent. “The important thing is to look at ourselves. There are things we can do better. The right attitude is not to be happy with what we've already got. We have to keep going,” he said.

Barcelona's next match is against 15th-placed Osasuna, and Flick is expecting a tough game. The team is buoyed by the return of winger Raphinha and midfielder Pedri, who played crucial roles in the win over Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Real Madrid faces mounting pressure after their recent drop in form, and their manager Xabi Alonso is under scrutiny.

“It's a long road ahead,” he told reporters. “It's ‌December, and we've got a lot to play for.

“The important thing is to look at ourselves. There are things we can do better. The right attitude is not to be happy with what we've already ⁠got. We have to keep going.

“And the end of the season is what ‌will put you in your place. That's where you'll have earned what ​you've got.”

Barcelona is facing Osasuna on Saturday with a confidence boost, thanks to the return of winger Raphinha and midfielder Pedri. Both players were instrumental in Barca's 2-1 comeback win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Tuesday, marking their fourth consecutive victory across all competitions.

Coach Hansi Flick is facing questions about Barcelona's goalkeeping situation, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 33, named in the squad for the Frankfurt game but remaining on the bench. Ter Stegen's return to the squad was marked with a warm reception from fans, but Flick has insisted that Joan Garcia will remain the first-choice goalkeeper.

Flick was unequivocal when asked about Garcia's status: “Joan is number one. I'm not going to talk about the number two ⁠or three goalkeeper. Joan plays, we believe in him, and ‌I have no intention of replacing Joan. And he has done very well.”

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid's manager, is facing increasing pressure after his team's recent poor performance. Their upcoming match against Alaves on Sunday is crucial, and a loss could seal Alonso's fate as manager. Real Madrid has only managed two wins in their last eight games, sparking concerns about Alonso's position.

❝There is still a long way to go. We’re in December. For now, the important thing is to stay focused and pay attention to what we’re doing.❞

🗣️ Hansi Flick pic.twitter.com/QXhPzhcpNv

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 12, 2025

Alonso's challenges are compounded by injuries to key players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba. The team's performance has been disappointing, and fans are growing restless. Despite this, some players, like Jude Bellingham, have expressed support for Alonso, emphasizing the team's unity and determination to turn things around.

The match against Alaves is a make-or-break situation for Alonso, and the outcome will likely determine his future as Real Madrid's manager.

“I'm not ⁠worried about Real Madrid, only about ourselves and our current situation,” the German said.