Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, shared on Monday how his tenure at the Catalan club has profoundly changed him. He spoke openly ahead of the Champions League match against Olympiakos Piraeus.
Following a tough loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the group stages, the upcoming match marks a crucial point for Barca, who were on the brink of reaching their first Champions League final in a decade last season under Flick’s leadership.
The German coach admitted to recent emotional reactions, including his ejection in Barcelona’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Girona in La Liga on Saturday, where Ronald Araujo’s last-minute goal clinched the win.
The 60-year-old Flick received a red card for allegedly disputing referee decisions towards the match’s end and confessed to being overtaken by emotion.
“I’m not more anxious, but my emotions have shifted,” he stated in a press conference on Monday.
“I recall when I coached Bayern Munich, we defeated Barca 8-2, and I didn’t even smile at the eight goals.
“Now, my emotions are different; this club has completely transformed me. I can truly say I love this club, I love Barcelona, I love the people here—it’s incredible, and I give my all for this club.
“Honestly, I dislike seeing myself on TV in such situations, and I don’t want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that, so perhaps I need to change my behavior.”
Barca faces a challenging phase with several key players injured, including Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Dani Olmo.
Flick has limited attacking options and is expected to deploy a front three with Fermin Lopez on the left, Marcus Rashford as the central striker, and 18-year-old Lamine Yamal on the right for the Olympiakos match.
“Marcus can play as a number 9 or number 11. We appreciate his versatility,” Flick said. “He has brought us many positives and can certainly play as a centre forward.”
Barca currently sits 16th in the Champions League standings with three points from two games, while Olympiakos is 29th with one point.
The Catalan club is appealing Flick’s red card to have him on the sidelines for Saturday’s match against Real Madrid, who are two points ahead of second-placed Barcelona in La Liga, although Flick admitted it’s a long shot.
“I didn’t mean anything against the referee; I wasn’t complaining, but that’s how he saw it, and I must accept it,” Flick stated.
“Today, the atmosphere was excellent. I love seeing this kind of spirit. We are a young team that needs this.”
