Flick warns of complacency ahead of Mallorca clash
Hansi Flick urged his Barcelona players not to get complacent in their final six games of the LaLiga season ahead of facing Mallorca on Wednesday (AEST).
Barcelona is four points clear at the top of the standings, but was forced to dig deep to claim a 4-3 comeback victory over Celta Vigo in its most recent league encounter last weekend.
It was the second straight match that Barcelona had conceded three goals, having gone down 3-1 to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash.
Second-placed Real Madrid is hot on Barca's heels, leaving it late to earn a 1-0 win over Athletic Club on Monday (AEST) thanks to Federico Valverde's stoppage-time wondergoal.
"We must always improve. After Dortmund, after Celta, we have to do much better. We have the quality to beat anyone, but we have to do it well," Flick said.
"The comeback against Celta, that positive energy, that's the state of mind we need.
"LaLiga has a high level and the objective is not to drop points, but it's not easy. We saw that against Celta.
"I hope it's a wake-up call. It's a long road. Madrid are fantastic, and they also want to achieve their objectives."
Barcelona welcomes Mallorca to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys with the visitors eyeing a spot in Europe next season.
Mallorca has not beaten Barcelona in LaLiga since a 2-1 victory in May 2009, but Flick is not underestimating the challenge ahead for his team.
"Mallorca are having a very good season. They can go to Europe. It will be a tough game. They defend very well. They make good transitions," Flick said.
It has been suggested that Flick could look to rotate his squad for the match, with one eye on the Copa del Rey final against Clasico rival Madrid coming up at the weekend and Robert Lewandowski sidelined after sustaing a hamstring injury against Celta.
The Barcelona boss admitted he was unsure when his top scorer would be able to return, and challenged some of his disgruntled fringe players to do their talking on the pitch if they are given the chance to do so.
Ansu Fati kicked a water cooler after not being brought on against Celta, while Hector Fort and Flick had a heated exchange on the pitch after the match.
"I understand that they are not happy. I was a player myself. Everyone wants to prove themselves and help the team," Flick said.
"I understand the feeling, but not the reaction. Victories have to be celebrated. The reaction has to be on the pitch, not off it."
