Barcelona is currently ranked 3rd in La Liga with 48 points after 23 matches. They are 2 points behind Atletico Madrid and 3 points behind Real Madrid. However, the two Madrid teams both lost points in round 24 against Osasuna and Celta Vigo. In tonight's late match against Rayo Vallecano, if Barca wins at home, they will take the top spot of Real Madrid because they have a clear goal difference.
After a period of crisis, Barcelona are gradually regaining their position when winning their last 3 matches in La Liga. During the same period, Real Madrid drew and lost while Atletico won only 1 match. The situation has reversed and winning 3 points against Rayo tonight is considered very simple for Hansi Flick and his team.
One of the viewpoints maintained by Flick is steadfastness. After the winter break, Barcelona has encountered many problems with results, but nevertheless, optimism has appeared in the dressing room. The German strategist is always a leader in maintaining confidence, through his statements and working style. Since then, things have been getting better for the Blaugrana.
"I always have a feeling that the players want to show everyone how good they are, how good they are in spirit. For coaches like us, it's great to see that. That's all you expect at a club.
We don't look at the rankings before taking the field. What the team needs to do is to show the best performance they have had since the beginning of the season. When I practiced with the players, I saw that they were very confident and happy. Everyone believes in their own strength" - Hansi Flick shared before the match against Rayo.
Another positive point of Flick that many fans support is that he only focuses on his work and does not care about the behind-the-scenes issues of big opponents. In the match where Real Madrid lost points against Osasuna, Jude Bellingham even received a red card, when asked by reporters about that scandal, Flick refused to discuss.
"I think it would be un put a bad idea if I mentioned that issue, so it would be disrespectful to them. I am not the one who decides or gives opinions on that situation. I always tell my players not to waste energy discussing the referee's decisions.
Referees are the only one on the pitch to do that, we all have to accept the game" - Flick shared.
After the match against Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona will visit Las Palmas this weekend. In the next 4 matches from February 26 to March 16, they will have 2 important clashes with Atletico Madrid in Copa Del Rey and La Liga. In the Champions League, Blaugrana have gone straight to the round of 16 and are waiting for their opponent.
