Barcelona Manager Hansi Flick Reflects on Red Card Incident
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed regret over his recent behavior that resulted in a red card during a match against Girona on Saturday, stating he does not want his grandchildren to witness such actions.
The 60-year-old coach received a yellow card for sarcastically applauding the fourth official after he indicated four minutes of stoppage time, following missed opportunities as the match remained tied.
Flick was subsequently shown a second yellow card for making an obscene gesture during the wild celebrations after substitute Ronald Araujo scored a late winner for Barcelona.
“I don’t like seeing myself in this state on television, and I don’t want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that,” Flick remarked. “So I probably have to change my behavior.”
In a news conference ahead of Barcelona's Champions League match against Olympiacos on Tuesday, Flick attributed his emotional response to his deep connection with the club, which he has managed since May 2024.
Previously, as head coach of Bayern Munich, Flick witnessed his team score eight goals against Barcelona in a single match, a record not seen in over 50 years. He noted that his demeanor on the touchline was much more subdued during that game.
“I remember when I was coach of Bayern Munich, the footage of the match against Barca showed that I had the same reaction to the first, second, and eighth goals,” he recalled. “People said I never smiled!”
“Right now I’m showing more emotion, it’s true, because this club has completely changed me. Maybe I should control my impulses, but I love Barca, Barcelona, and its people, and that’s why I always give my all.”
Flick's red card comes with a touchline ban that will restrict him to the stands during the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid on Sunday at 15:15 BST, although Barcelona is appealing the decision.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggested there was a “white hand” influencing the officiating of referee Jesus Gil Manzano during the match against Girona, implying favoritism towards Real Madrid. However, Flick chose not to engage in speculation regarding officiating bias.
“I had nothing against the referee,” he said. “I wasn’t complaining at him, but he saw it that way, and that’s something I have to accept.”