Flick focuses on Barcelona preparations as refereeing debate builds before El Clasico

Hansi Flick has refused to be drawn into the growing debate over refereeing before Barcelona’s meeting with Real Madrid, insisting that his attention is firmly on preparing his team for Sunday’s El Clasico.

The Barcelona manager was speaking at a news conference on Saturday, a day before the highly anticipated match at Camp Nou in the 10th round of La Liga.

With discussion surrounding the officials intensifying before the fixture, Flick said he had confidence in the referees and called on both sides to protect their players rather than allow external controversy to shape the atmosphere around the game.

Asked whether the debate could influence the referee appointed for El Clasico, Flick replied: “It will not affect him. I trust the refereeing. We are seeing a good level of refereeing, and each of us must protect our players.”

Flick also avoided criticising Real Madrid over their repeated comments about officiating. He said he did not want his own words to become the focus of media speculation.

“I prefer to concentrate on preparing my team,” he said, according to AS. “This subject is connected to newspaper headlines, and I do not want any striking headline. All I want is to focus on my team.”

Flick praises Jose Mourinho

The Barcelona manager also spoke warmly about Jose Mourinho, highlighting the Portuguese coach’s long record of managing clubs at the highest level.

“I have great respect for Mourinho,” Flick said. “When someone manages teams at this level for many years, it reflects his quality, and he has proved that at every club he has coached.”

Flick added that he had previously visited Mourinho and said German players who had worked under him spoke about him with great admiration.

“He is a fellow professional and a great companion,” Flick said.

No special plan for Mbappe

Flick did not reveal whether Barcelona would use a specific plan to contain the threat posed by Mbappe. Instead, he stressed the importance of collective discipline and maintaining the correct positioning both when Barcelona had possession and when they were defending.

“The most important thing is to position ourselves well on the pitch, with the ball and without it, and to keep the defensive line compact,” he said. “If we do everything correctly, it will be easier for our back line to defend against attacks.”

Flick also praised Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin, saying the two players were developing well together.

“Cubarsi and Gerard are in very good condition, and what they are producing is remarkable,” he said. “They are developing together.”