Manager credits “really special” atmosphere at the club for second successive title
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has praised the unity within his squad ahead of Sunday’s clásico, where the Catalan club can seal the title if they avoid defeat to Real Madrid.
Flick’s side are set to wrap up their second successive title, while the buildup of rivals Madrid has been dominated by reports of a fight between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni during training on Thursday.
Valverde ended up in hospital and both players were awarded a fine totalling more than €1m. Flick contrast the atmosphere at Valdebebas with the one at Barcelona.
“The atmosphere, the connection between the players is something really special,” Flick said. “We have players with a lot of quality, world class players. The connection between everyone is amazing – [especially between] the academy players because they have known each other many years.
“Winning a second title with this young team would be unbelievable. The players have made a fantastic job and now we want to win the title, the second in a row, which is amazing – and not normal here in Spain.”
Valverde was later diagnosed with a concussion and will miss Sunday’s clásico, while Tchouameni is still expected to feature. Flick admitted he was surprised by the events but avoided dwelling on Madrid’s internal issues.
“Was I surprised? Maybe a little bit,” Flick said. “These things happen in football, in life. I won’t say it’s normal, but it can happen and you have to manage it, you have to speak. It’s better to communicate.
“I don’t want to speak about Madrid, it’s not my job. It’s always about the team, the ‘we,’ not the ‘me,’ it’s not about the ego, it’s always about the team.
“But for them it’s also a clásico this weekend. They will still be 100% focused, they want to win also. This is why the clásico is so important for everyone – for Real and for Barca.”
