Former Bayern team-mate questions Hansi Flick’s tactical expertise after Barcelona defeat

Hansi Flick is “not a great football expert” but has outstanding people skills, according to former Bayern Munich team-mate Hans Dorfner.

Dorfner’s comments came hours after Barcelona suffered a heavy 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, with Flick in charge of the Spanish side.

The former Bayern Munich player said Flick’s tactical knowledge was limited, although he praised the German’s ability to manage and communicate with players.

“I know Hansi well and we have a very friendly relationship. I do not want to offend him, but there are certainly others with a deeper understanding,” Dorfner told Tribuna in an exclusive interview.

“Hansi Flick is not a great football expert either.”

However, Dorfner said Flick had other qualities that made him effective in a dressing room.

“He is excellent when it comes to dealing with people,” he added. “He talks to the players and knows how to handle them.”

Dorfner and Flick were team-mates at Bayern Munich from 1986 to 1990. During that period, they won three trophies together: the Bundesliga in the 1988-89 and 1989-90 seasons, as well as the German Super Cup in 1987.

They also reached the 1987 European Cup final, where Bayern Munich were beaten by Porto.

Dorfner praises Olise’s performances

Dorfner also singled out Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise for praise, describing the France international as the player who had surprised him most this season.

However, he criticised Olise’s conduct away from the pitch and said he was not particularly impressed by the way the player presented himself to the public.

“At Bayern, honestly, I have to mention Olise,” Dorfner said. “He is not my favourite player because I do not really like the way he presents himself, behaves and conducts himself.”

Dorfner argued that Olise had a responsibility to set a better example because of his profile and influence over young supporters.

“He is a public figure and children watch him,” he said. “He should be a good role model instead of walking around wearing his hat and not doing interviews.”

Despite those reservations, Dorfner was clear that Olise’s performances on the pitch deserved recognition.

“But it is about playing football and those 90 minutes,” he said. “What Olise produces there is fantastic, I have to say that.”