Flick: "Fariñas and De Jong are willing to help the team"

Flick backs Fariñas and De Jong to play out of position against Alavés as Barcelona seek to reclaim La Liga top spot after losses to PSG and Real Madrid.

Hansi Flick emphasized the importance of Barcelona's match against Deportivo Alavés tonight (21:00 CET, Movistar LaLiga) after consecutive defeats to Paris Saint-Germain (4-2) and Real Madrid (1-2) saw Atlético Madrid move top of La Liga by one point following their 2-0 win over Levante.

"It's very important to win if we want to conquer the league. We have to get back to the top of the table. We're fighting with Atlético, Madrid and also Betis, who are fantastic teams and we have to win," Flick said. The German manager is targeting his 100th victory with Barcelona.

Flick confirmed an unusual defensive setup with Brian Fariñas playing right-back and Frenkie de Jong as centre-back alongside Pau Cubarsí, with Joao Cancelo on the left. When asked about the unconventional positions, Flick expressed confidence: "I've spoken with them and both will play in a position that isn't theirs but we've trained them there and they're willing to help the team. They'll give everything for the team." Barcelona are without Eric García, Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, Dani Olmo and Roony Borghji through injury.