"Szczesny's performance? This is why he's our No. 1 goalkeeper"

Having successfully passed the testing visit to Lisbon with a 1-0 win at Benfica, Barcelona turn their attention back towards domestic action as they face Osasuna on Saturday in La Liga. The 'Blaugranas' are narrowly sitting in first place in the standings, holding a two-point gap over Atletico, whom they will take on in the following round of the league.

But Hansi Flick, who spoke to the media on the eve of the clash, was wary of Osasuna after losing by 4-2 in the reverse fixture in September. "It's a tough game, as I always say. When we played there, they pressed us very well and we had problems. Tomorrow is a different game, and we will be ready," said the Germany international.

With the second leg of the Champions League last 16 against Benfica and the crunch against Simeone's 'Colchoneros' coming up back-to-back, Flick revealed that he will rotate his side for Osasuna's visit and Pedri could be one of the starters to be rested. "We haven't decided yet. We will see tomorrow," the Barca head coach.

Flick praised the midfield talisman as he added: "Pedri is very professional, his attitude is unbelievable. He recovers well between matches. He trains at the highest level and you can see it on the pitch. He gives us strength from his position, but we have to be careful not to tire him. We will ask him tomorrow how he feels and then make a decision."

On Szczesny's performance at Benfica

Putting the upcoming fixture against Osasuna to the side, Flick was asked to comment on the midweek triumph over Benfica. The former Bayern Munich boss was seemingly satisfied with the display from his side and particularly hailed goalkeeper Szczesny, whose heroic interventions saved the Catalans in numerical disadvantage following Cubarsi's red card.

Flick said: "I'm very proud because the team has responded well to every situation. It gives us confidence in our idea. It’s working well, and hopefully, we can maintain it in the coming weeks. All the players did well in Lisbon, but Wojciec Szczesny did really fantastic, helping all of us. When you don't concede a single goal with 10 players, you have a very good goalkeeper. This is why he's our number 1 goalkeeper."