Barca Coach Hansi Flick Vows to Change Conduct because of Grandchildren

Barca head coach Hansi Flick says he does not want his young family members seeing the actions that led to his dismissal during the match against the Catalan rivals.

The 60-year-old was shown a caution for mocking applause the match official when he indicated four minutes of stoppage time, following Barcelona's missed chances with the game tied.

When replacement the defender netted a late winner for the club, Flick joined the home crowd in wild celebrations and was given a second yellow for displaying an obscene gesture.

"I dislike seeing myself in such a condition on TV, and I hope to prevent my descendants from observing their elder like that," Flick said. "Therefore I likely have to adjust my conduct."

The Coach Attributes Emotion to Devotion for the Club

Addressing media at a press briefing before Barcelona face the Greek side in the European competition, 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.

Flick was manager at Bayern Munich when the team were the initial to net eight times against Barca in over five decades in 2020, and claims to have been understated on the touchline as his team breezed into a European Cup last four.

"I recall when I was manager of Bayern Munich, the footage of the game against Barca revealed that I had the same reaction to the first, next and final goals," commented Flick. "Observers remarked I never smiled! Right now I'm expressing greater passion, it's true, because this team has transformed me."

"Perhaps I should restrain my emotions, but I love Barcelona, Barcelona and its people, and that's why I consistently give my all."

Touchline Ban for Key Match

Flick's red card includes a sideline suspension which will restrict him to the seating area of the stadium as his team play the rivals in the derby on this weekend – though Barcelona are challenging against the ruling.

Barca president Joan Laporta claimed a "white hand" was behind referee Jesus Gil Manzano's decisions against Girona – referring to support for Real Madrid – though Flick himself refused to get drawn into allegations of referee partiality.

"I had no issue with the official," he stated. "I did not protest at him but he interpreted it that way and that's something I have to acknowledge."