Barcelona not 'wasting energy' on Real Madrid as Flick turns attention to Champions League
Barcelona are four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, but Hansi Flick insists his team are not thinking about their rivals.
Hansi Flick is adamant that Barcelona are paying little attention to Real Madrid, instead focusing on their own performances.
Madrid lost 2-0 at home to Celta Vigo on Sunday, piling the pressure on under-scrutiny coach Xabi Alonso.
Los Blancos are four points behind LaLiga leaders Barca, who beat Real Betis 5-3 on Saturday.
But ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, Flick is not paying mind to Madrid's form.
"We're focused on ourselves, not on Real Madrid, we don't want to talk about them," he said.
"We're four points ahead, but it's a long road ahead. We have to give our best.
"The most important match now is against Eintracht Frankfurt.
"I didn't see [Madrid's loss to Celta]. I was sleeping. I saw the messages. I'm focused on us; I'm not wasting energy on this.
"I'm focused on my team. That's the most important thing. That's how it is."
Barca have failed to hit form in the Champions League this term, and they sit in 18th place in the standings, with two wins from their five games.
"I believe we never truly finish what we've accomplished; there's always room for improvement," added Flick.
"There isn't much time for training, but what I can see is that the players are trying to prove themselves on the pitch. I'm happy with the quality we have, but we always want to improve. We have a lot of potential for growth."
Barca have failed to win either of their two meetings against Eintracht to date, with both of those coming in the Europa League semi-finals in 2021-22 (drew 1-1 away and lost 2-3 at home).
However, Eintracht were hammered 6-0 by RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga last time out.
Eintracht have already lost away to a Spanish side once in the Champions League this season, suffering a 5-1 loss to Atletico Madrid in September.
Flick will also be able to call on the services of Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the first time this term after the goalkeeper returned from injury, but Barca's boss made it clear that Joan Garcia is his preferred choice in net.
"It's clear, Joan Garcia is number one," he said.
