Flick Vows to Change Touchline Behaviour ‘For Grandchildren’

Flick Regrets Red Card: ‘I Don’t Want My Grandchildren to See Me Like That’

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says he will reconsider his touchline behaviour after being sent off during a dramatic La Liga win over Girona, admitting:

“I don’t want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that.”

The 60-year-old German received two yellow cards in stoppage time, first for sarcastically applauding the fourth official and then for an obscene gesture during Barcelona’s last-gasp celebrations at Camp Nou.

Emotional Finish Turns Chaotic

With the game level at 1-1 and only four minutes of added time announced, tensions were already high after a flurry of missed chances. Substitute Ronald Araujo then struck a late winner, sparking euphoric celebrations—during which Flick made a gesture that earned him a second yellow and a red card.

“I don’t like seeing myself in this state on television,” said Flick.

“And I don’t want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that. So I probably have to change my behaviour.”

From Ice-Cold at Bayern to Passionate at Barça

Flick, who took over as Barcelona manager in May 2024, admitted his reaction was in stark contrast to his stoic demeanor when his Bayern Munich side famously beat Barcelona 8-2 in 2020.

“Back then, I barely reacted to any of the goals,” he said.

“Now I show more emotion because this club has changed me. I love Barça, Barcelona and its people.”

Despite the regret, Flick made it clear that his passion comes from a place of deep affection for the club.

Touchline Ban for El Clásico

Flick is now facing a touchline ban for this weekend’s blockbuster El Clásico clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, unless Barcelona’s appeal is successful.

“Maybe I should control my impulses,” Flick said.

“But I always give everything for this club.”

Laporta vs Refereeing Bias

Barcelona president Joan Laporta added fuel to the fire post-match by suggesting a “white hand”—an allusion to possible refereeing bias in favour of Real Madrid—was behind referee Jesús Gil Manzano’s decisions.

Flick, however, distanced himself from that controversy:

“I had nothing against the referee. I wasn’t complaining at him, but he saw it that way, and that’s something I have to accept.”