Barcelona Manager Hansi Flick Pledges to Change Behavior for Grandchildren
Hansi Flick claimed victory in the European Cup with the German giants in the year 2020.
Barca head coach Hansi Flick says he does not want his young family members witnessing the actions that resulted in his dismissal during the fixture against Girona.
Flick was shown a caution for mocking applause the match official when signaled additional time of stoppage time, following the team's wasted opportunities with the score level.
When substitute the defender netted a late winner for the club, Flick participated in the home crowd in wild celebrations and was shown a second yellow for making an obscene gesture.
"I don't like seeing myself in this state on television, and I don't want my descendants from seeing their elder like that," Flick explained. "So I probably have to change my behavior."
Flick Explains Emotion to Love for Barcelona
Speaking at a news conference before Barcelona face Olympiacos in the European competition, Flick attributed the gesture for which he was disciplined to the depth of feeling he has for the team, which he has managed since this year.
Flick was manager at Bayern Munich when the team were the first to score eight goals against Barca in over five decades in that year, and states to have been understated on the sideline as his team advanced into a European Cup last four.
"I recall when I was manager of Bayern, the video of the game against Barca revealed that I had the same reaction to the initial, next and final goals," said Flick. "Observers remarked I never smiled! Currently I'm showing more emotion, it's true, because this club has completely changed me."
"Maybe I should restrain my emotions, but I love Barca, the city and its people, and that's why I always put in maximum effort."
Suspension for Key Match
Flick's dismissal comes with a touchline ban which will restrict him to the seating area of the stadium as his team play Real Madrid in the derby on Sunday – though the club are appealing against the decision.
Club president Joan Laporta alleged a "hidden influence" was behind official Jesus Gil Manzano's decisions against Girona – implying support for Real Madrid – though the coach himself refused to get involved in suggestions of referee partiality.
"I held nothing against the official," he said. "I wasn't complaining at him but he saw it that way and that's something I have to acknowledge."