Hansi Flick speaks ahead of Barca's upcoming La Liga matchday against Espanyol

Coming on the back of dominating displays against two of the best European teams, FC Barcelona would now face Espanyol next. Considering the form the two sides have been in, the Blaugrana club enters the fixture as favorites against Manolo Gonzalez's side, who might face a relegation battle ahead. However, certainly, Flick's Barcelona would want to give the fixture their all, being competitive for the important games ahead.

Hansi Flick speaks ahead of Barca's upcoming La Liga matchday against Espanyol

Apart from the fixture being crucial from Barca's perspective to maintain their lead at the tabletop, the upcoming fixture holds special importance as a Catalan derby for both sides. Considering the stakes involved in the Catalonia derby, Barcelona boss Flick expressed that he wants his players to perform their best in the fixture.

Speaking about the fixture, Flick mentioned,

""I know what a derby means here in Catalonia. We expect a difficult opponent. After a full week of rest, I expect great intensity from the players, and they have to show it tomorrow.""

- Hansi Flick

In their last two matchdays, FC Barcelona utilized their full-strength lineup available, but there have been speculations of the club implementing a rotation policy for the Espanyol game. Given that the recent reports indicated Hansi Flick prioritizing the midfield trio's game time in the fixture, along with Eric Garcia's return, all points to a few new names being introduced in the starting XI.

Moreover, the chances of rotation being exercised are even more aggravated considering that the club is scheduled for a UCL game next, but Barca boss Flick didn't confirm it in the media address. Upon being asked for crucial changes in his XI, keeping the upcoming UCL fixture in mind, Flick said,

""I always think about the next game. We will now look at the Espanyol game, and then we will see what happens.""

- Hansi Flick

While the Blaugrana club manager didn't disclose his plans for the upcoming matchday, he gave a positive update on Barca's star defender Ronald Araujo's recovery. Praising the defensive ace's progress, Flick said,

""He's in good shape now, but we have to take care of him because he's had a bad injury. We like the passing and the physicality we see in training, and I'll be happy when he's back with the team.""

- Hansi Flick

With the potential return of ace star Ronald Araujo by the end of this month, FC Barcelona will soon be near its full squad strength. However, for now, the club fans would want the side to continue winning ways, grabbing the essential 3 points against Espanyol.