'Step by step' - Hansi Flick cools Barcelona extension talks and admits focus is on leading Blaugrana to historic Treble after Dortmund annihilation

The German coach has enjoyed a stellar debut season since replacing Xavi at the helm of the Spanish side last summer. They could still end the season with a treble of trophies, sitting four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, through to the Copa del Rey final and have one foot in the Champions League semi-finals thrashing Borussia Dortmund 4-0 on Wednesday.

Barca's strong performances have sparked reports the club are prepared to offer him a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2026. However, Flick has put a dampener on suggestions he will pen a new one any time soon.

"I truly appreciate and enjoy what I have here with a magnificent staff and fantastic experts and doctors," he told reporters. "Very professional players who have the mentality of improving day by day, it’s something unique in my professional career.

"I have a lot of energy and I’m thinking about what I can do to improve, but now we’re just starting the project. I’m not a coach who thinks about the next three years; what I like is working for the best club in the world, and I really appreciate what we have here. The situation at the club isn’t easy, but we’re all doing our best.

"That’s the situation now; I have one year left, and if things go well, another. That’s my way of thinking. Step by step, year by year. I don’t think we’re finished yet; in the end, I don’t know how much time we’ll have left, but I want to finish my work here on a good note. Besides, my assistants are happy. We have to focus on the season because there’s a lot to do."

The Catalan club can take another step towards the Spanish league title when they face struggling Leganes this weekend before they face Dortmund in the second leg of the European tie.