Hansi Flick claimed victory in the European Cup with Bayern Munich in the year 2020.
Barca manager Hansi Flick admits he hopes to avoid his grandchildren seeing the actions that resulted in his dismissal during the match against Girona.
The 60-year-old received a caution for sarcastically clapping the match official when signaled four minutes of injury time, following Barcelona's missed chances with the score level.
When replacement the defender scored a decisive goal for the club, Flick joined the fans in wild celebrations and was shown a second yellow for displaying an inappropriate signal.
"I dislike my image in such a condition on TV, and I hope to prevent my descendants from seeing their grandfather like that," the manager said. "Therefore I likely have to adjust my behavior."
Flick Explains Emotion to Love for the Club
Speaking at a news conference before Barcelona meet the Greek side in the European competition, Flick attributed the raised finger for which he was disciplined to the depth of feeling he has for the club, which he has coached since May 2024.
He was head coach at Bayern Munich when the team became the initial to score eight goals against Barcelona in over five decades in 2020, and claims to have been understated on the sideline as his team breezed into a Champions League semi-final.
"I recall when I was manager of Bayern, the footage of the game against Barcelona revealed that I had the same reaction to the first, next and eighth goals," said Flick. "People said I never smiled! Right now I'm expressing more emotion, it's accurate, because this team has completely changed me."
"Perhaps I should restrain my emotions, but I adore Barca, the city and its supporters, and that's why I consistently put in maximum effort."
Suspension for Key Match
Flick's red card includes a sideline suspension which will confine him to the seating area of the Bernabeu as his team face the rivals in the derby on Sunday – though Barcelona are challenging against the decision.
Barca leader Joan Laporta alleged a "white hand" was behind official Jesus Gil Manzano's decisions against the opponent – referring to support for the Madrid club – though Flick himself refused to get involved in suggestions of officiating bias.
"I had no issue with the official," he said. "I did not protest at him but he interpreted it that way and that's a situation I have to acknowledge."
