Barca Manager Hansi Flick Vows to Alter Conduct because of Family
The Barcelona coach won the European Cup with Bayern Munich in the year 2020.
Barca head coach Hansi Flick states he does not want his young family members seeing the actions that resulted in his red card during the match against Girona.
The 60-year-old was shown a yellow card for sarcastically clapping the match official when signaled four minutes of stoppage time, following the team's wasted opportunities with the score level.
When substitute Ronald Araujo netted a late winner for the club, Flick participated in the home crowd in wild celebrations and was shown a another caution for making an inappropriate signal.
"I dislike my image in this state on television, and I don't want my descendants from observing their elder like that," the manager explained. "So I likely have to adjust my conduct."
The Coach Attributes Passion to Love for Barcelona
Speaking at a news conference before Barcelona face Olympiacos in the European competition, Flick linked the raised finger for which he was disciplined to the strong emotions he has for the club, which he has coached since May 2024.
He was manager at the Bundesliga club when the German side were the initial to net eight times against Barca in over five decades in 2020, and states to have been understated on the sideline as his team breezed into a Champions League semi-final.
"I remember when I was coach of Bayern, the video of the match against Barcelona revealed that I had the identical response to the first, next and eighth goals," commented Flick. "People remarked I didn't show joy! Currently I'm showing greater passion, it's accurate, because this team has completely changed me."
"Perhaps I should restrain my emotions, but I love Barca, the city and its supporters, and that's why I always put in maximum effort."
Suspension for El Clasico
The manager's dismissal includes a touchline ban which will confine him to the seating area of the stadium as his team face Real Madrid in the derby on this weekend – though Barcelona are challenging against the ruling.
Barca leader the president alleged a "white hand" was behind referee Jesus Gil Manzano's officiating against the opponent – implying support for the Madrid club – though the coach himself declined to get involved in allegations of officiating bias.
"I had no issue with the official," he said. "I did not protest at him but he interpreted it that way and that's a situation I have to accept."