Flick says LaLiga title race far from over
Hansi Flick says Barcelona is not looking at the LaLiga standings, with strong performances its only focus at this stage of the season.
Barca could return to the top of the table on Tuesday if it beats Rayo Vallecano at the Olympic Stadium after both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were held to 1-1 draws respectively.
Flick's side sat in top spot for the first 14 matchdays but saw its lead slip as Madrid leapfrogged it, but the door has been opened once more. Barcelona is third in the table, and though it is three points behind Los Blancos, it has a superior goal difference.
"We don't have to look at the standings. There is still a long way to go and what we want to show is a good performance," Flick said. "I have the feeling that more and more, the team has more and more confidence in its strength and is having a good time. That is the most important thing.
"I have the feeling that the players want to show what kind of team they are and what mentality they have. And that's great for the coaches... Our will is to keep improving, and I think that's actually what we are doing."
Having struggled in LaLiga late last year while missing 17 year-old winger Lamine Yamal due to injury, Barca is on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Barcelona has won its last three LaLiga games, having won just one of its previous eight in the competition (W1 D3 L4). However, after 13 consecutive wins between 2003 and 2019, the Blaugrana have only won two of their last seven meetings with Rayo in LaLiga (D2 L3) – although they have been the most recent two.
Flick remains wary of Rayo, in the midst of a nine-match unbeaten streak in the league, winning each of the last three.
"When I arrived, I was told that Rayo was a brave team. I've always heard that. Their coach [Inigo Perez] is incredible, and they are having very good results," Flick said.
"What matters most to me, and my priority, is our team. That's what we can do best. I know that it's important for the environment to get the lead, and it would be important to gain confidence.
"But the first thing we have to do is play 90 good minutes and win."
The Catalan side has been boosted by the return of Ronald Araujo from injury.
