Flick: "We want to be top during the break"

Flick targets top spot before the international break as Barcelona prepare to face Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will face Atlético Madrid for the 13th time in his coaching career when the sides meet at the Metropolitano on Sunday. Flick has a strong record against Diego Simeone's side, with seven wins, two draws and three losses across his time with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but he insists the past is irrelevant.

Flick's focus is entirely on the present. "That is the past. For me it is not relevant. What matters is what happens tomorrow, when we play against a fantastic team. We want to win to be top during the international break," he said. "It is a very important match. In La Liga we have three or four excellent teams close in the standings. It is important to win at the Metropolitano, that is our objective. We will do everything possible to win."

Flick offered no hints about his starting lineup, with questions remaining over whether Eric Garcia will make his debut and who will replace the injured Rodri between Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong. He praised all his options, including Brian Fariñas as a potential right-back despite never playing the position. He also suggested Anthony Gordon could be more selfish in the final third, though he praised the winger's recent performances.