Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke to the press on Friday ahead of Saturday’s monster _La Liga_ clash against Atlético Madrid, with the winner going into the holiday break at the top of the table and earning huge momentum ahead of the second half of the season.
Barça have been in freefall since their incredible start to the 2024-25 campaign, winning just one of their last six in the league and losing their last two home games to relegation candidates.
Now they have to face a scorching hot Atlético side that has won 11 games in a row in all competitions, and Diego Simeone’s side will look to take advantage of Barça’s dip in form and move into first place.
Flick spoke about his team’s struggles, the importance of the victory, and also offered updates on Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski. Below are the highlights of the coach’s presser.
**On Barcelona’s form**
“We are still at the start of the project, and on December 20th we are first in La Liga and second in the Champions League. We have lost several points and that’s a shame, because we should have won against Las Palmas and Leganés. I respect them because they played better and we have to accept it. Tomorrow we have the opportunity to prove ourselves again. We are a young team and we must improve, we will fight until the end of the season. We have done things well, but it is not easy. Tomorrow we have another opportunity to do well against a great team.”
**On replacing Lamine Yamal**
“We have to accept this injury and that he is not available. We have several options to replace him, although we have not yet decided.”
**On subbing Lewandowski against Leganés**
“In these situations you have to make a decision. Ferran did very well in the previous matches and after the matches everything looks clearer and better.”
**On Atlético**
“To be on this winning streak is incredible. They are doing a great job and I respect them a lot. I love Cholo Simeone’s personality and emotion and you can see that the team is just like him. But this doesn’t change anything, we want to win tomorrow.”