Barcelona is focusing on producing strong performances rather than looking at the La Liga standings with a long way to go in the title race, coach Hansi Flick said on Sunday.
Barca has the opportunity to return to the top when it hosts sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano at the Olympic Stadium on Monday after both their main rivals dropped points on Saturday.
Leader Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Osasuna, and Atletico Madrid was held 1-1 at home by Celta Vigo.
Real has 51 points from 24 matches, a point ahead of Atletico, and Barca is third on 48 with a game in hand and a better goal difference.
“We don’t have to look at the standings. There is still a long way to go, and what we want to show is a good performance,” Flick told reporters.
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“I have the feeling that the team has more and more confidence in its strength and is having a good time. That is the most important thing.
“I have the feeling that the players want to show what kind of team they are and what mentality they have. And that’s great for the coaches… Our will is to keep improving, and I think that’s actually what we are doing,” the German added.
Having struggled in La Liga late last year while missing 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal due to injury, Barca is now on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
But Flick is wary of Rayo, which is unbeaten in nine La Liga games.
“When I arrived, I was told that Rayo was a brave team. I’ve always heard that. Their coach (Inigo Perez) is incredible, and they are having very good results,” Flick said.
“What matters most to me, and my priority, is our team. That’s what we can do best. I know that it’s important for the environment to get the lead, and it would be important to gain confidence.
“But the first thing we have to do is play 90 good minutes and win.”
The Catalan side has been boosted by the return from injury of Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com