Barca must prove they ´want to be a champion´ against struggling Leganes, Flick insists

Hansi Flick challenged LaLiga leaders Barcelona to demonstrate their desire to be champions when they face relegation-threatened Leganes on Saturday.

With second-place Real Madrid not playing until Sunday, the Blaugrana can move seven points clear at the summit with victory at Estadio Municipal de Butarque.

Although Barca are heavy favourites against their 18th-place opponents, they will definitely not be getting carried away.

After all, Leganes were 1-0 winners in the reverse fixture in December, while they also beat Atletico Madrid at the start of the year, as well as giving Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid a scare before losing 3-2.

And Flick urged his players to treat the match with the respect it deserves.

“They’re a team that defends very well, and they know how to attack deep,” he told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

“We have to be careful in this match because now we’re first, and we have to prove it. They’re also fighting against relegation. It will be a tough game.

“When we talk to the staff, we consider every game coming up as the most important because we only have eight games left, and they are all of great importance. We have to focus. It’s important to show our strength for the full 90 minutes.

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“We’re in a process that started at the beginning of the season. We train hard, focused. If you want to be a champion, you have to show it. And you show it not only in the big games, but also in games like this one.”

Flick also spoke about his contract, which is due to expire at the end of next season, and insists there is no immediate rush to extend his stay in Catalonia.

“I really appreciate and enjoy what I have here,” he added. “This, for me, is unique in my career because I see in the locker room an atmosphere that is fantastic. This is a family. I have a good time and I enjoy Barcelona.

“I have a lot of energy. I’m thinking about what we can do and what we can improve, because we can still improve a lot.

“I’m not a coach who wants to sign a new contract for three more years, because then I might think: ‘Well, I have room for improvement’. What I like is working day-by-day for this club.

“One year and we’ll see what happens. That’s the situation. And if we remain happy, we’ll see what happens. We don’t know what will happen. I would like to end the work I do here on a positive note.”