Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has admitted he is embarrassed by the actions that led to his red card during Saturday’s dramatic win over Girona, saying he does not want his grandchildren to witness such behaviour.
The 60-year-old was sent off after sarcastically applauding the fourth official for awarding four minutes of stoppage time, then receiving a second yellow card for making an obscene gesture during celebrations after Ronald Araujo’s late winner.
“I don’t like seeing myself in this state on television, and I don’t want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that,” said Flick. “So I probably have to change my behaviour.”
Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League match against Olympiacos, Flick suggested the gesture came from his deep emotional connection to the club, which he has managed since May 2024.
“Right now I’m showing more emotion, it’s true, because this club has completely changed me,” he said. “Maybe I should control my impulses, but I love Barca, Barcelona and its people, and that’s why I always give my all.”
Reflecting on his time at Bayern Munich, where his team famously beat Barcelona 8-2 in 2020, Flick contrasted his past composure with his current passion on the touchline.
“I remember when I was coach of Bayern Munich, the footage of the match against Barca showed that I had the same reaction to the first, second and eighth goals,” he said. “People said I never smiled.”
The red card means Flick is currently set to miss El Clasico against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Sunday, though Barcelona are appealing the decision.
While club president Joan Laporta has hinted at refereeing bias, referring to a “white hand” behind the officiating, Flick refused to be drawn into controversy.
“I had nothing against the referee,” he said. “I wasn’t complaining at him but he saw it that way and that’s something I have to accept.”
