BARCA'S FLICK IS PLEASED TO HAVE PLAYERS BACK FOR ATHLETICO MATCH

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Barcelona’s German coach Hans-Dieter Flick speaks during a press conference on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg football match between FC Barcelona and SL Benfica at the Joan Gamper training ground in Sant Joan Despi, near Barcelona, on March 10, 2025. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP)

Barca moved to the top of La Liga with Saturday’s 3-1 defeat of Alaves, although Atletico in fourth are only three points back.

Pedri made his first team return as a second-half substitute on Saturday after more than a month out with a hamstring problem.

He is in line to start against Diego Simeone’s rugged outfit, as is midfield partner Frenkie de Jong, who missed the Alaves match for family reasons.

“I’m really happy. The players are coming back, maybe we can improve our performance. This is the most important thing,” Flick said on Monday, although he confirmed that Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo is unavailable.

The German has faced criticism after a series of poor performances, especially in key matches for Barcelona — a 3-0 loss to Chelsea and 2-1 defeats against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite being at the top of the league, Flick admitted that Barcelona needs to get better.

“I know we’re not in the same form as last season,” he said.
“But we have potential. And we need to raise our level.“