Barça’s Temperamental Flick Aims to Regain Confidence Against Olympiacos Ahead of El Clásico
Barcelona is currently undergoing a transformation under head coach Hansi Flick, reflecting the struggles of his players. The team hopes to regain momentum in their Champions League match against Olympiacos on Tuesday, just before facing Real Madrid in El Clásico.
Flick’s squad secured a dramatic 2-1 victory against Girona last Saturday. Ronald Araújo scored the winning goal near the end of the match, prompting an unprecedented outburst of joy from Flick. After receiving a double yellow card for protesting, the coach was seen celebrating fervently, even running a short distance from the bench to express his enthusiasm.
In a press conference following the game, Flick attempted to clarify his actions. He stated, “Football is emotion, and for us, it is fantastic to score a second goal and win this way. It wasn’t aimed at anyone.” However, this incident signifies a notable shift in Flick’s demeanor. Previously praised for his diplomatic style, he has now become more volatile, both on the field and during press interactions.
Recent Performance and Conflict
- In late August, Barcelona drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano, a match in which they struggled.
- Flick lamented the team’s egos, commenting that they hinder success.
- He recently clashed with Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente regarding player care after Lamine Yamal’s pubic injury.
The ongoing injury crisis has added to Flick’s stress. Key players including Joan García, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Pablo Páez Gavira (Gavi) are currently sidelined. In recent days, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres have also faced injuries, with Torres remaining a doubt for the Olympiacos match due to hamstring issues.
Lamine Yamal, who returned from injury last month, has also struggled to find form. After playing 63 minutes against Girona, his performance raised concerns as he had not fully recovered from previous setbacks.
Upcoming Matches
Flick’s expulsion against Girona means he will miss the crucial match against Real Madrid, where the LaLiga lead will be at stake. Before that, Barcelona must contend with Olympiacos, managed by José Luis Mendilibar. The 64-year-old coach has previously led teams like Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla and notably won the Conference League in 2024.
- Champions League Standings:
- Barcelona has three points from two matches.
- Olympiacos has one point.
- Olympiacos recently drew with Pafos (0-0) and lost to Arsenal (2-0).
As Barcelona prepares for this pivotal encounter, Flick’s ability to navigate team tension and injury challenges will be crucial in determining their path forward in both the Champions League and LaLiga.
