Flick Emphasises Barcelona Must Bring Their A-Game for Vital Clasico Clash Against Real Madrid

Hansi Flick has urged his Barcelona squad to put behind them the disappointment of their Champions League semi-final exit and come back with fervour against Real Madrid this Sunday in a crucial La Liga Clasico.

Barca currently hold a four-point advantage over their arch-rivals and reigning champions, Real Madrid, with just four matches left in the season.

The Catalan club’s hopes of a historic quadruple were dashed on Tuesday when they were eliminated by Inter Milan in Europe.

“We discussed their thoughts and feelings, as it’s essential for the team to communicate effectively,” Flick stated during a media briefing on Saturday.

“Everyone understands that in a Clasico, you need to be at your peak performance; that’s exactly what we aim to achieve.”

“We want to be proactive, play with intensity, and maintain our usual dominance on the pitch. We know we’re up against a truly remarkable team in Real.”

Barcelona has triumphed over Real Madrid in all three Clasicos this season, starting with a commanding 4-0 victory in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu back in October.

They then annihilated Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final in January, followed by a hard-fought 3-2 win in the Copa del Rey final in April.

Even with a potential loss, Barcelona would still maintain their spot at the summit of the table by a solitary point, but Flick remains determined to see his side defeat Los Blancos yet again.

“We approach every match with the intent to win, regardless of the table standings,” he reinforced.

“(We’ll) concentrate on this match, giving everything to secure three points…

“The Clasico is significant for our supporters, for everyone involved with Barca, the players, and for myself and my coaching staff; it’s always fantastic to compete against them.”

Balde and Casado cleared to play

Barcelona received a significant boost with Alejandro Balde and Marc Casado both declared fit to return to action after their respective injuries.

Midfielder Casado has been sidelined for almost two months due to a knee ligament injury, while Balde has missed the last four weeks due to a hamstring issue.

Robert Lewandowski has also made a return from injury, featuring as a substitute against Inter on Tuesday.

Flick mentioned that all three players are more likely to start from the bench rather than be in the first XI this Sunday.

“After this match, we still have three more fixtures,” the coach commented.