Hansi Flick: 'We have the energy to win'

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid face off at Montjuïc this Sunday at 4.15pm CEST, with the Liga title in the balance. Hansi Flick’s side sit four points clear, but they’re looking to extend that gap: “We’re focused on giving everything, on getting the three points,” the German coach said emphatically at a high-profile press conference the day before the game.

Out to win

“The Clásico is hugely important, and the staff, players, and club all want to win it" he continued. "We have the energy to get the victory. That’ll be our intention from the first whistle. We must show confidence ... We’re not thinking about the standings; that’s not our concern. The only thing that matters is winning.”

“In games like this you have to raise your level. We want to see intensity and to dominate the pitch. The players are working very hard and believe in our ideas. I hope we can win this title that’s still within our reach. We are playing at home and have our supporters with us, who give us so much backing when we need it most.”

Must be ready

It won’t be easy. Real Madrid is always a formidable opponent: “They’re a fantastic team who will also give absolutely everything to win ... We must be ready to deal with both sides of their game. They can press man-to-man and are strong on the break, and they have an outstanding defensive style. That is what we’ll see this Sunday.”

Flick knows his entire squad is up to the task, which is why he name-checked and praised Gerard Martín, Eric Garcia, Iñigo Martinez and goalkeeper Szczesny, as well as Alejandro Balde, who has just been declared fit: “He may get minutes in the second half, as could Lewandowski.” All are ready for this vital, must-win match.