Barcelona Manager Hansi Flick Pledges to Change Behavior because of Family
Hansi Flick won the Champions League with the German giants in 2020.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick admits he does not want his grandchildren seeing the behavior that led to his red card during the fixture against the Catalan rivals.
Flick received a yellow card for sarcastically clapping the fourth official when he indicated additional time of stoppage time, following the team's wasted opportunities with the game tied.
When substitute the defender netted a decisive goal for Barca, Flick joined the fans in wild celebrations and was given a another caution for displaying an inappropriate signal.
"I don't like my image in such a condition on television, and I don't want my grandchildren from observing their grandfather like that," Flick explained. "So I probably have to adjust my conduct."
Flick Attributes Passion to Love for the Club
Addressing media at a press briefing before Barcelona meet the Greek side in the Champions League, Flick linked the raised finger for which he was penalised to the strong emotions he has for the club, which he has managed since this year.
He was manager at the Bundesliga club when the German side became the initial to score eight goals against Barcelona in over five decades in 2020, and states to have been reserved on the touchline as his team breezed into a European Cup last four.
"I recall when I was coach of Bayern, the video of the game against Barcelona showed that I had the same reaction to the first, next and eighth goals," commented Flick. "People said I never smiled! Currently I'm expressing greater passion, it's accurate, because this club has completely changed me."
"Maybe I should control my emotions, but I love Barcelona, Barcelona and its supporters, and that's why I consistently give my all."
Suspension for Key Match
Flick's red card comes with a touchline ban which will restrict him to the seating area of the stadium as his team play Real Madrid in the derby on Sunday – though the club are challenging against the ruling.
Club president Joan Laporta alleged a "hidden influence" was behind official Jesus Gil Manzano's decisions against the opponent – implying support for Real Madrid – though the coach himself declined to get drawn into suggestions of officiating bias.
"I had no issue with the official," he stated. "I wasn't complaining at him but he saw it that way and that's a situation I have to acknowledge."
