Hansi Flick appeared in the preview of the Espanyol-Barça, corresponding to matchday 36 of LaLiga, with the possibility of being champions this week. The coach spoke about Araujo, Christensen, Lewandowski, Cubarsí and avoided confirming his future or the derby lineup.

Flick doesn't trust Espanyol: "We have to concentrate and show that we want to win"

Fútbol Club Barcelona is preparing for a new Catalan derby with the possibility of being proclaimed LaLiga champion this week. In the preview of the duel against Espanyol, corresponding to matchday 35, coach Hansi Flick appeared before the media and left several headlines, always with a prudent tone and without entering premature euphoria.

The coach avoids talking about the title and focuses on concentration

Flick was clear when asked about a hypothetical celebration of the championship: "It wouldn't be good to talk about that, but to fight against Espanyol to win the three points. I saw what happened two years ago, whatever needs to be done, always with respect", referring to the incidents after a previous derby.

The German coach insisted that the focus is solely on his team: "I have all my energy focused on my team, I'm not thinking about other teams", underlining his rejection of comments about possible stumbles by Real Madrid, who face Mallorca at the Bernabéu.

Araujo, Christensen, Eric... who will replace Iñigo?

One of the big unknowns is who will take Iñigo Martínez's place in the back. Flick explained that there are several alternatives: "There are not only two options, we also have Eric, a third option. Christensen is very well, recovered. And I didn't like what happened to Araujo in Milan. We all make mistakes, in Milan I also made mistakes. We have to protect him".

Lewandowski and Cubarsí, ready to play

Asked about the Polish striker's physical condition, the coach was blunt: "He's fine, ready to play, there's nothing more to say". He also reassured about the situation of Pau Cubarsí, who suffered a blow in the last training session: "He will be able to play tomorrow without problems, it's nothing".

Ter Stegen or Szczesny, decision still reserved

Regarding the goalkeeper, Flick preferred not to reveal his choice for the derby: "I have decided that today I am not going to talk about the lineup", keeping the mystery about whether Marc-André ter Stegen will continue as the starter or whether Szczesny will have minutes

Words towards Ancelotti and his possible renewal

Flick also had words of praise for the Real Madrid coach: "He has done a great job, he is a gentleman, he is a successful coach who will be able to continue to be successful wherever he goes".

As for his future on the Barça bench, the German was cautious: "We had dinner with the president and had a great time, but there is nothing more. After the season we will talk about everything. It wouldn't be good to talk about that now".

A high-voltage derby in Cornellà

Regarding this Wednesday's rival, Flick warned of Espanyol's level: "They have improved a lot in the second half of the season, with new players and a clear style. We have to be focused and show that we want to win".

Barça arrives at the derby after beating Real Madrid 4-3 in the Clásico and knowing that if Los Blancos do not win against Mallorca (Wednesday, 9:30 p.m.), the Culés could be proclaimed champions without needing to add in Cornellà. Even so, Flick doesn't want distractions: the goal is to add three more points and get closer to the title on their own merits.

Immediate calendar

• Wednesday, May 14: Espanyol vs FC Barcelona – 10:00 p.m. (LaLiga, matchday 356)
• Wednesday, May 14: Real Madrid vs Mallorca – 9:30 p.m. (LaLiga)

Concentration, respect for the rival and a clear message: "win games". That is Flick's formula to avoid distractions in a decisive moment of the season.