Hansi Flick has stressed Barcelona still have plenty of hard work to do to turn their title dreams into reality.
The LaLiga side switch their focus back to domestic matters this weekend after securing their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a comeback win over Copenhagen in midweek.
The champions hold a one-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of the table as they head to mid-table Elche on Saturday.
Manager Flick told reporters at a press conference: “There is still a long way to go until the end of the season and we have to take it game by game.
“LaLiga is a great competition and we will fight until the end, just as Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid or Villarreal will.
“We are FC Barcelona and we want to win every trophy. It’s not easy, we can dream, but we have to work hard to improve every day.
“It’s important to focus on the next match. The team’s attitude and mentality are good. That’s one of our strengths. We are good and we have quality.”
Barca will head to Estadio Martínez Valero as strong favourites.
Flick’s side have won 14 of their last 15 games with a surprise loss at Real Sociedad earlier this month the only blip in that sequence.
Elche, 11th in the table, are without a win in their last five outings in all competitions and have not beaten Barca at home since 1974.
🗣️ Hansi Flick:❝Eder is doing a fantastic job. Elche play really well—they’re a brave team. They have an attractive style of play and create a lot of chances.❞ pic.twitter.com/SsX5Ys8OzC
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 30, 2026
Despite that, Flick is wary of the threat the promoted side present.
“In the last match, they had more possession of the ball,” said Flick. “Eder Sarabia has done a fantastic job and I like the way his team plays.
“They are brave and create a lot of chances. I enjoy analysing them and watching how they play.”
Frenkie De Jong is back in contention for Barca after missing out in Copenhagen due to suspension while Ferran Torres will hope for more minutes after returning from injury as a substitute in the midweek triumph.
Gavi, Andreas Christensen and Pedri remain on the sidelines.
Elche are without on-loan Barca defender Hector Fort, who has been out for the past month following shoulder surgery. Right-back Alvaro Nunez is also out with a groin problem while Aleix Febas is suspended.
Coach Sarabia said: “We know we can damage them and have the capacity to overcome their pressure.”
