Flick urges Barcelona to ignore Madrid derby and focus on Sevilla test

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says his side must concentrate solely on Saturday’s trip to Sevilla rather than their pursuit of a seventh consecutive victory or Sunday’s Madrid derby.

Barcelona travel to Sevilla for the seventh round of La Liga, aiming to maintain their perfect start to the campaign. Attention will then turn to the meeting between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid the following day.

Asked whether the derby could have any bearing on Barcelona’s match, Flick said at Friday’s news conference: “For me, the most important thing is that we focus on ourselves. We want to win, and that is the job we have to do in Sevilla.”

Flick was also questioned about Barcelona’s 4-1 defeat by Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan last season. However, he insisted the current team is operating at a different level.

“First, I have to say that I believe we are now at a different level from where we were last year,” he said, in comments reported by AS.

The German coach nevertheless warned that the result would not be decided before kick-off and highlighted Sevilla’s strength on home soil.

“Every match starts at 0-0, though, and Sevilla, especially at home, are performing very well,” Flick added.

He expects the hosts to use a defensive system based on man-to-man marking and direct pressure, meaning Barcelona will need to move the ball quickly and keep their players in constant motion.

“Sevilla defend man-to-man and they will try to press us in these situations,” said Flick. “That is why it will be important for us to play with confidence and take the ball out towards the wings.”

Barcelona will also need to control the match against a side that relies heavily on individual marking.

“It will be important to control the game and know how to do that against a team that depends a lot on man-to-man marking,” Flick said.

“We have to move the ball quickly, especially in our own half, and try to switch it from one side to the other.”

Flick believes the speed of Barcelona’s passing will be central to overcoming Sevilla’s pressure and opening up space. The visitors are expecting direct attention on their players throughout the game as they attempt to extend their winning run.