Another domestic test awaits in what will be a landmark afternoon for Hansi Flick. Saturday’s clash with Villarreal at Spotify Camp Nou will be his 100th game in charge of FC Barcelona.

Flick isn’t expecting an easy ride. He remembers the trip to La Cerámica well: “They produced some very good transitions and we had a bit of luck ... We can’t make unnecessary mistakes and we have to play our football.”

Reaching a century of matches on the Barça bench is, he admits, special: “It’s a great honour. Coaching this club was a dream for me and I'm enjoying every day with these players and with Barça.”

Despite leading LaLiga, there’s no room for complacency. “The road is long" says the German. "Every win means one fewer chance for our rivals to catch us. We have to keep working well and keep winning ... We’re concentrating on what we can do better. There’s still room to grow.”

Absences, including Frenkie de Jong, won’t serve as excuses. “Every team has problems and we have to manage them. We have quality and different options. Others will get opportunities.”

As for the Champions League draw earlier in the day, where Barça were drawn to face Newcastle United as opposed to PSG, Flick said “all the teams are very good. I don’t celebrate avoiding anyone. You have to respect every opponent. Everyone wants to reach the final.”

Final preparations

Barça wrapped up preparations on Friday morning at the training ground, with all available first-team players involved, plus Tommy and Eder Aller from the reserves.

Kick-off is at 4.15pm CET on Saturday, with third-placed Villarreal providing what promises to be a demanding and intense challenge.

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