Hansi Flick is known for his reserved nature, but when he speaks, his words carry weight. He avoids controversy but did not hold back when discussing Real Madrid’s recent complaints about referees.
Drawing from his time in Germany, Flick recalled how Carlo Ancelotti, during his tenure as Bayern Munich’s coach, had strongly criticized refereeing decisions that favored Real Madrid. Ancelotti had felt his team was unfairly treated at the Santiago Bernabéu, a sentiment that was widely shared at the time.
Given this history, Flick finds it puzzling that Real Madrid is now voicing grievances about officiating. He sees their complaints as exaggerated and a deliberate attempt to create public alarm when it suits them. Distancing himself from such tactics, he made it clear that his team does not engage in similar behavior.
Commenting on Florentino Pérez’s letter, Flick responded diplomatically but firmly: “They did it that way, but that’s not our style. We don’t make excuses.” He emphasized that every club has its approach but stressed the importance of respecting referees, acknowledging that they have a difficult job and should be supported rather than criticized.
Ahead of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey match against Valencia, Flick addressed the media about Real Madrid’s claim that La Liga is manipulated. When asked if he saw it as disrespectful, he avoided direct confrontation but made his stance clear: “When I arrived, I said I didn’t want excuses or complaints. If we drop points, it’s our fault.” His focus remained on his team’s performance rather than external factors.
Discussing the upcoming match, Flick acknowledged the challenge of playing away at Valencia, highlighting the difference in atmosphere compared to their previous 7-1 victory.
He also provided injury updates, stating that Dani Olmo might feature in the second half but cautioning that he must be managed carefully due to frequent injuries. Gavi, on the other hand, was ruled out as he continued his recovery.
Regarding squad selection, Flick dismissed direct player comparisons between Casadó and Frenkie de Jong, emphasizing the importance of the entire team rather than individual choices. He expressed his satisfaction with having depth in the squad and praised both players for their qualities.
Reflecting on his role, Flick called coaching Barcelona a dream come true, cherishing both the club and the city. He acknowledged the challenges of managing rotations due to a tight schedule and confirmed that Iñaki Peña would not feature in the Copa match, as Marc-André ter Stegen remained the first-choice goalkeeper.
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