Hansi Flick says Barça players are “fresher” ahead of Levante clash | OneFootball

After back-to-back defeats against Atlético Madrid and Girona, Hansi Flick insisted that Barcelona “want to regain confidence” when they host Levante on Sunday.

Following Monday’s 2-1 loss to Girona, which saw Real Madrid seize control of the LaLiga title race, Flick revealed that he would give his players two days off so that they could “reset”.

In his pre-match press conference on Saturday, the German confirmed that “it has been very good” to have that break because “now the players are fresher, and this is important”.

“We play at home and we have to win, take the three points,” he said.

“We want to regain confidence. It is important to regain trust. When you lose, and you don’t play well, perhaps doubts are generated. We have been very honest and this is the key for the next matches. We also need that hunger to win games.”

The 60-year-old insisted that “everyone is convinced about what we are doing.

“I see the team convinced of our style and style of play. Of the five titles available to us, we have won four. I’ve spoken to many players and they’re all 100% convinced. But, sometimes, it gets lost. You don’t like to lose, and even less at a club like Barcelona, but you have to accept the situation and improve.

“These are not easy times, but communication is vital. We have been honest and open. I ask them questions, that’s how I work and manage. It’s important because we need leaders. You always have to communicate at the same level, then I’ll make decisions. I want the players to take responsibility and they are doing it,” he told reporters at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

Flick’s press conference came just hours before Real Madrid’s dramatic late defeat to Osasuna, which opens up an opportunity for Barça to reclaim the top spot in LaLiga by defeating Levante when the sides meet at 15:15 GMT on Sunday 22 February.