“Sometimes I’m more like a grandfather,” jokes Flick ahead of Barça v Mallorca

Barça could move four points clear at the top of the LaLiga table when they host Mallorca on Saturday – and head coach Hansi Flick spoke about his philosophy as the Blaugrana navigate a congested fixture list.

Saturday’s clash against a struggling Mallorca comes as Barça’s fourth game in just ten days, though Flick revealed: “I see my players with a good atmosphere and that’s what I appreciate.

“My philosophy is that there’s a good atmosphere and respect between the coach and the player, and the player and the coach. That’s how we’ll be able to give our best.”

The Blaugrana have lost just once since the start of December, and continuing that fine form is crucial if they are to stay ahead of Real Madrid in the LaLiga standings. But Saturday’s visitors are also in desperate need of points, and sit just two points above the relegation zone ahead of their trip to the Spotify Camp Nou.

“The team is in a good way, and now we play against Mallorca. [Vedat] Muriqi is having a great season, and we’ll have to be cautious of him,” Flick warned of the Albanian striker, who has found the back of the net 15 times across 21 LaLiga outings.

The German also gave updates on Raphinha and Pedri, confirming that the injured duo will return to the squad when they are ready and adding that everything is going according to plan with their recovery.

Flick, who will celebrate his 61st birthday later this month, was also asked whether players look to him as a father figure – and the Barça boss delivered a witty reply.

“Well, I think sometimes I’m more like a grandfather – it’s something to do with my age!

“For me the most important thing is that the player can play and give us all they have. You’ll have it also in your job, when you’re in a good mood and everything is good, you feel a little bit more relaxed and motivated to give more. This is one of my philosophies. I take care of them because I think they do a fantastic job.”

Barcelona host Mallorca at the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday 6th February, with kick-off in LaLiga scheduled for 15:15 GMT.