Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Reflects on Touchline Behavior Ahead of Olympiakos Match

Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, acknowledges the need to manage his emotions on the sidelines following his recent sending-off during the derby victory against Girona.

Insights on the Upcoming Olympiakos Encounter

Flick analyzed the challenge posed by Olympiakos, noting, “They boast a strong offensive capability; their stats highlight them as one of the top attacking teams. Just review their match against Arsenal, where they created numerous opportunities. We must stay sharp for such scenarios; they possess quality players and a strategic approach to their game, which requires our caution.”

Regaining Defensive Solidity

Reflecting on Barcelona’s defensive performance, Flick stated, “Today’s atmosphere was highly positive, which is essential for our young squad. When reviewing the Girona match, my emphasis is on positioning; being too deep can lead to a disadvantage since it requires excessive running, harming our defense. We must enhance our pressing and positional play.”

Update on Ferran Torres

On the fitness of Ferran Torres, Flick mentioned, “We hope he’ll be ready for the Clásico alongside Raphinha. After returning from the national team, an MRI revealed some issues. Playing in tomorrow’s match would pose a risk. We’ll conduct another MRI to assess his progress. Player welfare is our priority, especially given the current complexities. Once everyone returns, our situation will improve.”

Thoughts on Arsene Wenger’s Offside Proposal

Flick expressed his uncertainty regarding Arsène Wenger’s suggestions about the offside rule, saying, “I haven’t discussed it with Wenger recently, so I’m unaware of his intentions or the specifics of this proposed law. Once I have more information, I’ll be able to form an opinion, but for now, I prefer to refrain from commenting, especially since it seems to be a proposal for the distant future.”

Managing Emotions This Season

When asked if he feels more anxious this season, Flick replied, “I don’t think I’m more nervous, though my emotional responses are different from before. I remember during my time with Bayern Munich, we had that memorable 8-2 victory over Barça, and I didn’t smile at all after scoring eight goals. I’ve become more emotional now; this club has transformed my perspective entirely. I genuinely love this club, the people, and I pour my heart into everything for Barcelona. I may need to adjust my behavior, especially since I dislike seeing myself on screen and wouldn’t want my grandson to witness that side of me.”

Marc Bernal’s Development

Addressing Marc Bernal’s readiness for matches, Flick commented, “As previously mentioned, we must ensure players are properly fit. We’re cautious about rushing him; the Sevilla game wasn’t the right time. We’ll seek matches that align with his improvement during practice. He isn’t currently at the level required for high-stakes games; further development is necessary.”

Roony Bardghji’s Position

Flick discussed Roony Bardghji’s potential roles, saying, “We’re evaluating him as a left winger or attacking midfielder. He could be utilized as a substitution or even start. It’s crucial for us to strike the right balance in our lineup.”

Marcus Rashford’s Versatility

On Marcus Rashford’s positional flexibility, Flick stated, “Marcus is capable of playing both as a number 9 and an 11. His ability to adapt to multiple roles has provided us with significant advantages, and he clearly can function as a center forward.”

Reflections on the Bernabéu Situation

Regarding his absence from the Bernabéu, Flick remarked, “I’m unsure. We’ll have a clearer conversation after the game on Saturday. I have no objections to the referee’s decision; he perceived the situation differently, and that’s something I must accept.”

Concerns Over Refereeing on the Eve of the Clásico

Flick was hesitant when discussing the referees’ attitudes towards Barcelona versus Madrid, saying, “It’s challenging to comment… (chuckles). I’ve been here for 16 months, and many of you have been around longer. I would prefer not to dwell on this.”

The Impact of Raphinha’s Absence

Lastly, Flick expressed his sentiments regarding Raphinha’s unavailability, saying, “I’ve mentioned it before—his absence is significant. When he’s performing at his peak, he’s a tremendous asset for us.”