Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has called for sharper focus and a stronger start as his side prepare to return to home action against Real Oviedo today. Speaking ahead of the match at Spotify Camp Nou, Flick underlined the importance of making home advantage count after a demanding run of eight consecutive away fixtures across La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
With injuries still affecting the squad, as previously highlighted by SoftFootball in a report on Barcelona’s growing fitness concerns, Flick made it clear in a post shared by the club’s official X account that concentration from the first whistle will be decisive.
The German coach pointed to recent matches where Barcelona have conceded early goals, stressing that the issue has been more about focus than structure.
Flick said, setting the tone for what he expects against Oviedo:
We’re playing at home again and we want to win. In our last few matches, we’ve conceded first and we have to be focused from the start.
His comments follow Barcelona’s entertaining 4-2 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague, a game SoftFootball covered in detail, which again showcased both the team’s attacking quality and moments of defensive vulnerability.
Flick went on to explain that those defensive lapses are not a mystery within the camp.
Reflecting on recent goals conceded, he admitted:
We’ve made some mistakes and that’s how the goals have come. We have to be more focused for the full 90 minutes.
While critics have questioned Barcelona’s high defensive line, Flick firmly defended his philosophy, noting that the system relies on collective pressing rather than just the back four.
He explained, reinforcing his commitment to proactive football:
Some people don’t understand what we need to play with that high defensive line. It’s our own style.
On the squad front, Flick provided clarity on several key players. Ronald Araújo is close to full fitness and could feature.
The coach said:
He’s doing really well. He’s an option to start, but we’ll see. We’ll decide tomorrow.
Gavi’s recovery is also progressing steadily, though Flick insisted patience remains vital.
He said:
Gavi is training and improving a lot. The most important thing is to stay calm and take it step by step. He has a long career ahead of him and there’s no need to rush.
Fermín López earned special praise after his recent performances.
Flick highlighted the midfielder’s impact and energy, saying:
He can change games, and that’s what we need. He has intensity and dynamism, and with space he can really hurt the opponent. He’s fantastic in front of goal and he always presses.
The Barcelona boss also spoke glowingly about Pau Cubarsí, describing the young defender as one of the best centre-backs in Spain.
Despite comparisons with past successes, Flick remains firmly focused on the present, making it clear that Barcelona’s immediate priority is delivering a composed and convincing performance at home.
He said:
I don’t live in the past nor the future. We have to focus on what’s ahead.
For Hansi Flick, the message is simple and consistent: focus from the first minute, trust the process, and let collective effort define the result. Against Oviedo, Barcelona are not just playing to win but to show control, maturity and growth at a crucial stage of the season.
