Barcelona manager Hansi Flick prioritising La Liga over Champions League | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has declared that he is prioritising La Liga over the Champions League this season, despite their sizable disadvantage domestically. The Blaugrana rested and rotated for European games earlier in the season, and are seven points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, but the Germanc coach said that league triumph is still their priority.

With speculation amping up over potential moves before the end of the transfer window, it was no suprise that Flick was asked whether the squad was settled for the rest of the season.

“You know it better than me, it is not easy for the club. I have always said that I am happy with my players, with the team there is, with the atmosphere. We can achieve a lot of success with this team.”

In addition, there is speculation over Frenkie de Jong and his contract situation, with just 18 months left on his current deal.

“I’m focused on the current situation. Deco is doing his job. Frenkie is performing well as a 6, as an 8, and he’s doing well in these games.”

It was put to Flick that if he had to gamble his own assets on Barcelona being successful in La Liga or the Champions League, which would he go for, at which he smiled and reminded that coaches are not allowed to bet.

“For me La Liga is the most important thing. At the end of the year we will evaluate. The Champions League, I have said it before, may be the most difficult tournament to win. It is very important to beat Atalanta to finish in the best way, being second in this phase.”

Barcelona celebrate Benfica win.

Barcelona do have a slim chance of finishing top of the group phase, but would require leaders Liverpoool to lose to PSV Eindhoven, having been perfect so far. If the Blaugrana do finish second, then they would be seeded on the opposite side of the draw to Liverpool, but they have already secured passage to the Round of 16, skipping the play-off round.