Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick said on the eve of their Champions League match against Atalanta on Wednesday that winning LaLiga is their major aim for the season. Barcelona has already qualified for the last 16.
Barcelona, who have won all but one game in the new format, are second with 18 points, three behind leaders Liverpool, who play 19th-placed PSV Eindhoven.
Whatever happens against Europa League holders Atalanta, Flick’s team is in the last 16 and can focus on catching LaLiga leaders Real Madrid by seven points.
“For me, LaLiga is the most important thing we can win, and we can aspire to it all season,” the German manager said Tuesday at a press conference.
“Of course, the Super Cup, Copa del Rey, and Champions League are the hardest to win because there are so many outstanding clubs.
“We want to finish this first phase in the second place because it’s a good situation for the next steps in the competition.”
Atalanta is fifth in the Champions League with 14 points.
“It’s always difficult to play against Italian teams because they defend great,” he remarked.
Atlante play one-on-one across the field. The buildup is stressful, and they shift quickly when they win the ball. They always play with one contact, so be prepared.” Barcelona said on Tuesday that defender Andreas Christensen, who injured his calf in Monday’s training, will miss three weeks.
After Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s season-ending injury, Hansi Flick chose Wojciech Szczesny over Inaki Pena as his number one goalkeeper. Number one—goalkeeper—is remarkable. “It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made since coming here,” stated the German coach.
“When I praise Wojciech, it makes Inaki seem weaker, but I don’t like this. My job is to decide.
“Szczesny is an experienced, charismatic player. Both goalkeepers are superb, but my staff and I chose Szczesny. Inaki did a terrific job before, but I took this decision.”
