BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, emphasized that his gestures during Saturday’s intense 2-1 LaLiga victory over Girona were not directed at the referee, following his expulsion during a dramatic conclusion to the match.
Flick received a yellow card in stoppage time for clapping at referee Jesús Gil Manzano, and his immediate reaction to the caution earned him a second booking.
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“Frenkie [de Jong] was nearby, and I was clapping, saying, ‘OK come on Frenkie,'” Flick clarified in the post-match press conference.
“It was not intended as a response to the referee.”
Due to his dismissal, Flick may face a touchline ban for the upcoming top-of-the-table Clásico against Real Madrid next weekend.
Moreover, he might receive a longer suspension if his reactions after Ronald Araújo’s 93rd-minute winning goal—celebrated after his ejection—are deemed inappropriate.
Flick, who made a gesture with his arms while running back toward the pitch, insists it wasn’t targeted at anyone in particular.
“My gesture was not aimed at anyone,” he stated. “Perhaps it expressed my feelings about our performance. I’m not one to target anyone.
“For me, it’s about the passion of football. I have nothing to say against the referee; I accept his decision. My clapping was not a slight against him.”
Flick mentioned that he attempted to communicate with Gil Manzano, but the referee was unresponsive.
“I tried to speak with him, but he didn’t want to engage,” he added. “That’s how it is. I accept it. He has his role as the referee.”
Barcelona entered Saturday’s Catalan derby on the heels of consecutive losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla but started strong, taking an early lead with a goal from Pedri in the 13th minute.
Girona quickly equalized with a stunning bicycle kick from Axel Witsel and had opportunities for more before halftime, while Barça nearly scored too, with a free kick from Marcus Rashford hitting the crossbar.
Barcelona came out stronger in the second half but only secured the vital points in the dying moments when Araújo, who had been brought on as an emergency striker, converted a cross from De Jong.
“Before making the change, I consulted Ronald,” Flick shared. “I asked him if he felt he could handle playing up front, and he confirmed he was ready.”
“I’m thrilled for him. He plays with immense heart for this club and team. It was truly remarkable.
“Ronald consistently showcases quality in front of goal during training. I had a feeling he could alter the outcome of this match.”
Araújo added that his teammates chuckled when he claimed he would score as he prepped to come on.
“Everyone is aware of my past as a striker,” he remarked. “I believe if I played regularly in that role, I could net more goals [laughs].
“When the coach asked me to come on, I had no doubts. As I was donning my jersey, I confidently said, ‘If I come on, I’ll score a goal.’
“They all laughed, and then I found the back of the net. I work hard to earn my place, so I’m really pleased.”
Barcelona is set to return to Champions League play on Tuesday against Olympiacos, before heading to Madrid next Sunday for their LaLiga encounter.
With their victory over Girona, Flick’s squad ascended to the top of LaLiga, but Real Madrid could reclaim the lead with a win against Getafe on Sunday.