Christensen prepares for his biggest battle at Barcelona: a final chance or a fresh start?

The Danish defender told Spanish newspaper Sport that his priority is regular playing time after a season and a half plagued by physical problems.

He said: "I feel good. Obviously the body feels that we are training more and more and with greater intensity, but that is why we are here, to regain our fitness. The goal now is to be in the best possible physical condition and, above all, to be able to complete the season without injuries."

Asked whether he had spoken with Flick about his role this season, Christensen insisted the message is clear: "I think we are all looking towards the same thing. My goal is to maintain my physical fitness, to keep improving, and to return to my best level."

Read also: He no longer enjoys the game: 3 scenarios that write the final chapters of Neymar's story

Defence looks set to be one of the biggest battles next season, especially with the rumours continuing to link Barcelona with new arrivals. The Danish international refused to be drawn in, though.

He said: "The transfer market does not depend on me. I focus on myself. I trust my abilities and I know that my best level is very high. Every summer, the names of many players are linked with Barcelona, but that is normal. We focus on the players who are here."

His only goal, he stressed, is rediscovering the level that once made him so important to the side: "I have gone through a season and a half that was extremely difficult. Now I am thinking of only one thing: reaching the best possible fitness, being ready throughout the season, and recovering my best level. That is what I tried to do this summer: working very hard to come back in the best condition."

Christensen also spoke of his delight at extending his contract: "I am very happy and very proud. I am very grateful to the club for giving me another chance. And I also think the club trusts my ability to return to my best level. It is wonderful news for me and my family. This is the ideal place for me. We have a very talented young team and we play football that I like. It is a place where I feel safe and where I can still continue to develop."

Read also: Video: After Al-Hilal's huge offer, Diaz stirs a buzz with a surprise visit to Colombia's president

The Danish player also praised the youngsters for the level they've reached after coming through the club's academy: "We are all at the best club in the world, and we all have great qualities. There is competition in every position, and that makes us better. The youngsters have arrived with great enthusiasm and a strong desire to prove their level. The important thing is for them to know they can turn to the senior players if they need anything. They are performing brilliantly."

On Barcelona's targets for next season, Christensen set his sights directly on the Champions League: "We want to win every possible title. And the Champions League, of course, is one of those goals."

The defender reckons the team has everything it needs to chase the lot: "We have to continue what we are doing and believe in it. We have proven that this is the right path. All we need to do is fine-tune some details. We must trust the players we have. Seven or eight of our players have just been crowned world champions. We have a squad capable of achieving it."

He also brushed aside any doubts over the team's maturity despite so many young players in the ranks: "I think we have a good balance. We also have experienced players. We have six players who took part in the World Cup final. Despite their young age, they have already lived through the biggest experience in the world of football. For me, that is also experience and represents a big step forward for Barcelona."

Read also: He informed him of the decision to leave: City star settles his future