'Barcelona must avoid inconsistency' - Hansi Flick warns his players

The champions now face the task of overcoming newly promoted Oviedo in a midweek fixture in La Liga.

Flick's side are currently in second place behind Real Madrid and will need a win to reduce the point the five point gap on the league table.

Speaking before the Oviedo clash, Flick said, as reported by Sportal, "From what we've seen, they are a brave team that defends well. But, as I've said several times, my team is what matters.

"I see the squad confident in training, and we need to continue the way we've performed in recent matches. How is Gavi? What happened is bad news. But now we need to take it step by step. A footballer's career lasts ten or fifteen years. He needs to work diligently. The good news is that the operation will put an end to the discomfort Gavi was experiencing.

"He must be a good professional, and that's what we need to show him – to be more professional than ever. I'm glad he's in my team, and we will wait for him. It's not easy for us because Gavi is a player with a big heart. The goal is to return to his previous high level. It's tough, not easy, but if anyone can do it, it's Gavi."

Is it beneficial for Yamal that he didn't win the Ballon d'Or? "I spoke with him yesterday. He's fine, motivated for the coming years. And Ousmane Dembélé deserved the award. Lamine took it all well and is ready to show what he can do. Now he has the opportunity to win the award this season. Otherwise, he is close to returning to play.

"Did you explain to him that rotation would be necessary when he returns? Lamine understands that. When he needs to rest, he will. I never think about the players we lose, only about those who can play. It's important for the players to see that I trust everyone. I'm happy with my team. Any starting lineup can win matches; this is a high-class team.

"Pedri finished 11th for the Ballon d'Or. Paul Scholes said he's his favourite player. If someone like Scholes says that, it means something. He was a great midfielder and knows what it's like to play in that position. Pedri is at an incredible level. He performs consistently every three or four days. I hope he continues like this."

Do you feel that at least 100 points will be needed for the La Liga title this season? "So far, 100 points have always been enough. We need to focus on ourselves, avoid ups and downs throughout the season, and follow our path.

De Jong is an important player for you, but he has many critics. What does it mean for you to have him in the team? "I'm not on social media, and perhaps that's a good thing. Every Barça fan supports Frenkie. What I see is that he enjoys this team, in every match and every training session.

"He is a very important player. I talk to him often; I want to know his opinion and what he thinks. Cubarsí played on the left side of the central defensive pair, why? Because he is very good. He can play in either of the two positions."