FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick stated his full confidence in the officiating ahead of the upcoming El Clásico, opting to avoid controversy despite the high stakes of the fixture. As Barcelona prepares to face Real Madrid, the German coach emphasized his desire to protect the integrity of the match officials rather than focusing on potential points of contention.
“I have full confidence in the refereeing; it is of high quality,” Flick said during his pre-match press conference. “Each of us is part of this wonderful sport, and it is very important that we also protect the referees. I do not want to talk about these types of things.”
Flick’s Perspective on the Pressure of El Clásico
The upcoming match at the Camp Nou carries significant implications for the La Liga standings, with Barcelona looking to extend their lead over their eternal rivals. Despite the intensity surrounding the encounter, Flick maintained a measured tone, noting that he prefers to focus on team preparation rather than media-driven narratives.
“I prefer to focus on preparing my team and I am not worried about those things,” the coach explained. “I know it has to do with headlines, but I don’t want any kind of headline.”
For Flick, the match represents more than just a battle for three points. “A Clásico is different; it is the best game that this sport can offer,” he said. “Millions of people, from different cultures and generations, are all connected by this match. It is incredible; only three points are won, but it is much more than that. It is fantastic to be part of this.”
Koundé and Olmo Miss Match Due to Injury
The coach confirmed that defender Jules Koundé will miss the match as the club opts not to risk his fitness. Koundé’s absence adds to the defensive challenges for Barcelona, a team currently working with limited depth in the back line. Regarding the attack, Flick acknowledged the absence of Dani Olmo, who had been in strong form before his injury.
“Jules will not be there tomorrow; we don’t want to take risks,” Flick stated. “In the case of Dani, he was in a great moment, we are going to miss him, but we also have Fermín.”
The absence of established starters opens a path for younger players, including Xavi Espart. Flick praised the young talent’s performance in the recent Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain. “He is a great professional and he did very well in the last game,” Flick noted. “Whether he plays on the right or the left, he is an incredible player. He has a lot of potential but also has room for improvement.”
Tactical Preparation for Real Madrid’s Strategy
Addressing the threat posed by Real Madrid, Flick identified set-pieces and physical play as key strengths of his opponents. He stressed the need for defensive improvement following the team’s recent performance in Paris.
“We know what their strengths are, and they are one of the best teams in set-pieces, also in the physical aspect,” he admitted. “We will have to defend much better than we did in Paris.”
Flick emphasized the importance of positional discipline, both with and without the ball, particularly when employing a high defensive line. He highlighted the growth of defenders Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín, noting that they are developing well together this season. Additionally, the return of Rodri to the midfield is expected to bolster the team’s quality, with Flick noting that the player is steadily increasing his influence alongside Pedri.
Flick’s Respect for José Mourinho
Despite the competitive atmosphere, Flick expressed professional respect for his counterpart, José Mourinho. Reflecting on his time with the German national team, Flick noted that players who had worked under the coach spoke highly of him.
“I have the best opinion of him,” Flick said. “He has proven it at every club he has been at. When I was with the German national team, every player who was with him spoke wonders, with great respect. He is a successful professional colleague and a great partner.”
The match is set to take place at the Camp Nou, with both clubs preparing to finalize their squads ahead of the kickoff.
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