Rabat – Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has stressed that Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid carries significance beyond the three points at stake, describing the encounter as one of the most anticipated matches in world football.
Speaking during Saturday’s pre-match press conference, Flick expressed confidence in his team’s preparations while acknowledging the challenge posed by Jose Mourinho’s side.
The German coach described El Clasico as a unique occasion that brings together millions of football supporters across different countries, cultures and generations.
For Flick, the rivalry represents more than an opportunity to strengthen Barcelona’s position at the top of LaLiga.
He said his players are prepared for the encounter and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a strong performance.
Flick warns of Real Madrid’s attacking quality
The Barcelona manager also commended Real Madrid’s recent performances, describing the Spanish giants as a dangerous opponent with considerable attacking quality.
“Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world,” Flick said, acknowledging the quality of Mourinho’s squad and the Portuguese coach’s experience.
He warned that Madrid’s attacking players could pose significant problems, particularly given their performances in recent matches.
Flick also expressed respect for Mourinho, recognizing his achievements throughout his managerial career.
Barcelona enter the encounter following a 4-2 Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Reflecting on that result, Flick acknowledged that his team had performed well in several areas but needed to address certain weaknesses.
He described Sunday’s meeting as an opportunity for Barcelona to improve and test themselves against another leading European side.
Flick expresses confidence in referees
The German coach also addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding refereeing in Spanish football, insisting that he maintains complete confidence in match officials.
Flick argued that referees deserve protection and respect, stressing that everyone involved in football shares responsibility for preserving the sport’s integrity.
He declined to discuss the controversy further, preferring to focus on preparing his players for the match.
Barcelona will be without Jules Kounde and Dani Olmo, with Flick confirming that neither player will be available.
The Catalan side enter Sunday’s encounter with nine victories from their opening nine LaLiga matches, holding a six-point advantage over Real Madrid.
The match will take place at Camp Nou, with kick-off scheduled for 8 p.m. Moroccan time.
