At a recent press conference ahead of the Champions League matchup between Barcelona and Olympiacos, head coach Thomas Flick addressed the controversy surrounding his recent red card during a match. Flick, who took charge of Barcelona in May 2024, expressed that his passionate response to the game stems from his deep connection to the club.
While reflecting on his tenure at Bayern Munich, where his team infamously scored eight goals against Barcelona in 2020, Flick mentioned that he had received criticism for not showing enough emotion on the sidelines. “I remember the footage from that match; I showed the same reaction to each goal,” he recalled. “People said I never smiled! Now, I’m displaying more emotion because this club has transformed me.”
Flick acknowledged that he needs to manage his impulses yet remains committed to giving his all for Barcelona and its fans. His recent sending-off resulted in a touchline ban, meaning he will watch this weekend’s El Clasico against Real Madrid from the stands, though Barcelona is actively appealing the decision.
Barca president Joan Laporta had previously suggested that referee Jesus Gil Manzano’s decisions in a match against Girona were influenced by favoritism towards Real Madrid, but Flick chose not to engage in this narrative of officiating bias. “I had nothing against the referee,” he stated. “He made his call, and it’s something I have to accept.”
Flick’s passion for Barcelona reflects the ongoing evolution of the club and serves as a reminder of the intense emotions that football elicits in both players and coaches. The upcoming matches, especially the high-stakes clash against Real Madrid, will be crucial for Barcelona, and Flick’s energy will certainly resonate within the squad and the wider fanbase as they aim for success in both domestic and Champions League competitions.