Flick acknowledges need to adjust his conduct after receiving red card

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick conceded on Monday that he would prefer his grandchildren not to witness the way he acted when he received a sending off for an indecent gesture during celebrations following a last minute victory over Girona.

Flick was shown an initial yellow card on Saturday for challenging a referee's call. He earned another for pointing his finger upwards after Ronald Araujo netted in extra time to secure a 2-1 triumph for Barcelona.

As a result of the dismissal, Flick will be sidelined from the touchline when second placed Barcelona travel to face La Liga frontrunners Real Madrid in Sundays Clasico.

Flick noted that his demeanor has evolved since joining Barcelona, making his case by recalling one of the clubs most severe defeats, a 82 loss to his former Bayern Munich team in 2020.

"Perhaps my feelings are not identical to those from earlier times. I recall when managing Bayern Munich, the video from the game versus Barca indicated I reacted similarly to the first, second, and eighth goals. Folks remarked that I never grinned!" Flick stated at a news briefing before Barcelonas Champions League fixture against Olympiacos on Tuesday.

"At present, I am displaying greater passion, which is accurate, since this team has utterly transformed me," he added. 

"I truly adore this team, I devote my utmost effort. Moreover, I dislike viewing myself in such a manner on TV, and I do not wish for my grandchildren to observe their grandparent in that fashion. Thus, I likely must modify my conduct."

While certain Barcelona staff members faulted Saturdays official, Flick adopted a more understanding tone.

The referee "chose to interpret it otherwise, and that is an aspect I must respect," he remarked.

Flick also avoided engaging with a query on whether authorities show preference to Real Madrid.

"What can I comment? I have been here for 16 months; you reporters have resided here far longer and possess greater insight. I prefer not to comment on it," he stated. 

Besides ongoing absences of Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Joan Garcia, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Flick mentioned that attackers Raphinha and Ferran Torres lack full readiness and will sit out the Champions League match in anticipation of featuring in El Clasico.