On the eve of a crucial Champions League match against Olympiakos, and just days before a heated Clásico against Real Madrid, Hansi Flick’s press conference was widely expected. As his team goes through a difficult period and seeks to regain its best form, the German coach could have settled for a purely sporting speech. But he did much more. Amid tactical questions, Flick indulged in unusual introspection and made a surprising confession about his own behavior, revealing how his experience at Barcelona had transformed him.
“I don’t like my grandson to see me like this.”
Known for his almost icy serenity on the Bayern Munich bench—he recalls never smiling, not even during the famous 8-2 defeat against Barça—Hansi Flick admitted that his emotions are much more visible these days. And he doesn’t always like it. “When I see myself on television, to be honest, I don’t like it,” he confessed. The reason for this discomfort is poignant and very personal: “I don’t like my grandson seeing me like this, so maybe I should change my behavior.” A public questioning of unusual sincerity for a coach of this caliber.
“I live for the club”: Passion, the source of his emotions
Flick explains this externalization of his emotions with his total commitment to FC Barcelona. “This club may have changed me completely,” he admitted. “What I can say is that I love this club, I love Barcelona, I love the people here, it’s incredible, and I give everything for this club. I live for the club.” His mood swings on the bench, therefore, would only be a reflection of a burning passion for his project, and not a sign of nervousness.
A group “excited” to recover after Paris
Despite this self-criticism, the German coach appeared focused on the essential: reactivating his team. After the defeat against PSG in the previous Champions League matchday, they must “get back to winning ways.” A goal shared by Fermín López, who was present at his side: “The team is doing very well, very excited for tomorrow’s game. It’s the Champions League, a very important competition.” The young midfielder also praised Lamine Yamal, calling him “the best player in the world,” a sign of the confidence that reigns in the dressing room.
Caution before El Clásico: “We have to be careful with them”
This desire to come back doesn’t necessarily mean overconfidence. Flick showed he has carefully studied Olympiakos, an opponent he doesn’t underestimate before considering Real Madrid. “They have a good attack; the statistics say they’re one of the best offensive teams,” he warned, citing their performance against Arsenal as an example. “We have to be careful with them.” There’s no doubt that there’s no need to be surprised.
From Cold to Passionate: Hansi Flick’s Transformation at Barça
Hansi Flick used this press conference to reveal the man behind the tactics. His unexpected confession about his behavior and his passion for the club reveals a deeply humane and committed coach. While dealing with his own emotions, he remains focused on his mission: restoring the confidence of a young squad and guiding them through a week that promises to be decisive for the rest of Barça’s season.
