Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, tried to cool the bubbling tension with his Real Madrid counterpart Carlo Ancelotti by clarifying his earlier comments.
Flick was at the center of an undesirable word war when he could have an interpreter at Madrid’s planning complaints at the beginning of this week.
Barcelona was forced to play OsaSuna less than two days after the international break of March and as a result, dinner Dani Olmo against injuries. Real Madrid has experienced her own difficulties at La Ligas Match calendar, and Ancelotti has rarely gave the chance to aim at the rulers of the Spanish top class. When asked if he was asked whether he would follow Ancelotti’s leadership to express his dissatisfaction after the Osasuna match, the German boss sniffed: “We are Barca, not Real Madrid. And I am very proud to be Barca.”
When this comment was brought to Ancelotti this week, Madrid’s manager answered ironically: “I agree with what he said; Real Madrid is not Barcelona.”
Flick was not asked for these gentle barbs during his press conference before the Catalan derby on Sunday, but tried actively to clarify his position. “I enjoy being Barca’s coach,” he emphasized. “Of course I respect Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most successful coaches that exist, and a wonderful person.
“The only thing I said is that we are Barca and I’m very happy with La Masia [the club’s academy]. I feel part of a family. This affects everyone, the media here, the employees … the big challenge is that everyone is united. Today I see that, and that’s why I’m happy. “
Flick has already monitored two victories against Ancelotti this season and rattled nine goals as Real Madrid in the league and in the Supercopa de Espana final. However, the traditional competitors remain on a tight title race at the summit of La Liga, although a lot of focus has already been relocated to the final top classiico of the season in May.