Statements from the Barcelona coach ahead of the Champions League match against Olympiacos.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick opened up in an unusually personal and reflective way on Monday, ahead of his team’s Champions League clash against Olympiacos.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, the German manager admitted that his experience at Barcelona has had a profound effect on him not just professionally, but emotionally.
“Maybe this club has completely changed me,” Flick said. “I’m not nervous anymore. Maybe my emotions just aren’t the same as before. I remember when I was at Bayern and we beat Barcelona 8-2. There were pictures of me with the same expression after every goal I didn’t celebrate much, I didn’t show emotion. Now it’s different. Here, I feel things more deeply. I show more emotion because this club makes me feel that way. I love this club, I love Barcelona and its people. I give everything for this club.”
It was a rare moment of vulnerability from Flick, who is known for his measured tone and controlled demeanor. His comments suggest that life in Barcelona with its intense football culture, emotional supporters, and constant media attention has softened his famously disciplined German character. Since arriving at the Camp Nou, Flick has faced immense pressure to rebuild a team still struggling with injuries, limited resources, and the weight of its own history. Yet despite the challenges, he appears deeply connected to the project and to the city.
The coach also addressed his recent sending-off during the La Liga match against Girona. Flick was shown a red card for protesting against a refereeing decision and was later seen making an emotional arm gesture in celebration after Ronald Araújo scored the winning goal. “I didn’t like seeing those images of myself,” he admitted. “And I don’t like that my grandchildren saw me like that either. Maybe I have to change my behavior. I have to set an example.” His comments drew laughter from journalists but also revealed his self-awareness and willingness to learn from the cultural nuances of Spanish football.
When asked about the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid, Flick refused to be drawn into the hype. “We are not thinking about Real Madrid right now,” he said firmly. “Our focus is only on Olympiacos. They are one of the teams with the best concentration and organization I’ve seen. They have strong attacking players and great energy. Against Arsenal, they had chances to score, so we need to stay alert.” His words underlined the importance of the Champions League fixture one that could determine Barcelona’s position in the group and ease some of the domestic pressure.
Flick also gave an update on the team’s growing injury list, which has been one of the main reasons behind Barcelona’s inconsistent performances this season. “It’s not an easy situation,” he admitted. “We’ve been dealing with many injuries, and that affects the rhythm and confidence of the team. But we trust the squad and the young players who are stepping up.”
He revealed that Ferran Torres and Raphinha could return in time for the Clásico, but confirmed that neither would be risked against Olympiacos. “It would be too dangerous to include Ferran now,” Flick explained. “He’s close to full recovery, but we don’t want to push him too soon. As for Raphinha, we really miss him. His energy, his creativity, his willingness to fight he’s an important player for us.”
Since taking charge, Flick has emphasized unity and resilience as the cornerstones of his project. Despite mixed results, the atmosphere around the team appears calmer than in previous seasons. His relationship with the players is described as close and respectful, and his approach has earned him trust from the board and fans alike.
Barcelona’s clash with Olympiacos comes at a crucial time, as the club seeks to regain momentum both in Europe and domestically. For Flick, it’s another chance to prove that his vision built on structure, work ethic, and emotional intelligence can guide the team through its most difficult period in years.
If his words on Monday are any indication, Hansi Flick’s bond with Barcelona runs deeper than results. His transformation from the stoic coach who once dismantled Barça with Bayern to the passionate leader now defending its badge may well become one of the defining narratives of his time at the club.
