Flick puts Atletico memories aside as Barcelona target La Liga summit

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says previous meetings with Atletico Madrid are irrelevant as his side prepare for a crucial La Liga contest at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday.

Barcelona travel to face Atletico in the 12th round of the Spanish league season, with victory potentially taking them to the top of the table before the international break.

Flick also discussed his midfield selection, the possible return of Frenkie de Jong to the starting line-up and the availability of defenders Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen.

“Every match is extremely important. There are three or four very strong teams in La Liga and the differences between them in the table are very small,” said Flick.

“Of course, beating Atletico Madrid would be very important. We will give everything, but there is still a long way to go in the season.

“We are going there to win, while knowing that we will face a great team with a great manager. That is why it will be a difficult match.”

Flick said he was not allowing Barcelona’s previous experiences against Atletico to influence his preparations.

“All of that is in the past and it does not concern me now. The most important thing for me is what happens tomorrow,” he said.

“We know we are facing a very strong team and we have to win to move top of the table before the international break. It is important that we show our strength and quality in this match.”

De Jong or Bernal?

Flick was asked to compare De Jong with Marc Bernal, who has impressed in midfield.

“Frenkie can play in different positions, but there are similarities between them. De Jong may have more experience, but both are confident and capable of making decisive decisions when they have the ball,” he said.

“Bernal is performing excellently. He knows very well where he needs to be on the pitch and I am extremely happy with what he is doing.

“I am also very happy that Frenkie is back. We need to choose the right starting line-up, and that is something we will discuss later today or tomorrow.”

Flick has not yet decided whether De Jong will start against Atletico.

“I have not decided whether he will begin the match or not. It is always better to think carefully about these things,” he said.

“We know exactly what he can do, just as we know Bernal’s qualities. I was genuinely impressed by what Bernal did.”

Flick defends handling of Rodri situation

Asked about Rodri’s return and criticism of the way his injury had been managed, Flick said: “Things can always be improved, but I believe that in this case I spoke with the player and we reached a solution.

“When you speak to an experienced player, listen to him and agree on a solution together, I do not think there is much more you can do. That is my opinion.

“When you see the outcome, you may say that you could have handled it better, but all of that is now in the past.”

Flick confirmed that Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen, who have returned to full team training, will both be included in Barcelona’s squad for the match.

“Eric could start the game. Both of them will be in the team tomorrow. I think Eric can play from the beginning, but we will see,” he said.