Barcelona manager Hansi Flick described the day as “a tough one” after leading his team to the LaLiga title against Real Madrid, just hours after receiving the news of his father’s passing.
Flick learned of his father’s death on the morning of the highly anticipated Clásico, but chose to remain with the team and take his place in the dugout for the match.
During the match, Flick watched as Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres scored goals, leading to a 2-0 victory over Madrid as Barça secured back-to-back Spanish championships.
“It’s been a difficult day,” Flick shared during the post-match press conference. “The day began with a phone call from my mother telling me my father had passed away. I debated whether to keep this to myself or share it with my team, which feels like family to me.”
“Ultimately, I decided to inform the players. Their response was incredible. It’s a moment I will cherish forever,” he added.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone for their support and effort. This truly feels like a family,” he continued.
In tribute to Flick’s father, players from both teams wore black armbands, and a minute’s silence was observed before kickoff.
Following the goals, Barcelona’s players celebrated with Flick, lifting him high in the air to commemorate their 29th LaLiga title.
“Today, I have never felt so much love,” Flick remarked. “It’s truly amazing.”
Under Flick’s leadership since the summer of 2024, Barcelona has established itself as a dominant force in Spanish football.
They have secured five out of six domestic trophies, missing only this season’s Copa del Rey, but they have faced challenges in the Champions League. After a semifinal exit last season, they were eliminated by Atlético Madrid in this year’s quarterfinals. Flick aims for European triumph as the next step in Barça’s journey.
“We aspire to do more for this club,” he stated. “We want to reach the next level, and I know everyone in Barcelona yearns to win the Champions League. I hope we can achieve that goal.”
“I always aim to fight for our dreams. I believe we have more aspirations, and that bodes well for the upcoming season,” he added.
Barcelona still has three matches left in the current season: against Alavés, at home versus Real Betis, and the season finale at Valencia.
If Barcelona wins all three matches, they could finish the season with 100 points—an accomplishment only ever reached twice before, by Madrid in 2012 and by Barça in 2013.
“We are aiming for 100 points,” Flick emphasized. “It’s still within reach. That’s our next goal.”