‘Don’t utter a word’ – Barcelona warn Hansi Flick against Jose Mourinho amid fears of fresh controversy
· Yahoo Sports
Barcelona have reportedly warned Hansi Flick to stay away from any discussions involving Jose Mourinho as the German coach prepares for another season on the touchline.
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The advice was given to Flick during the summer after Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid’s technical staff was confirmed. Barcelona’s management wanted their manager to be aware of the controversy that surrounded the Portuguese during his first spell at the Spanish club.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty ImagesBarcelona want Flick to avoid Mourinho discussions
According to Sport, Barcelona consider Flick a level-headed coach who generally avoids unnecessary controversy, particularly when speaking to the media.
The club nevertheless made him aware of the previous tensions involving Mourinho and Barcelona, including his clashes with the late Tito Vilanova and the pressure Pep Guardiola faced during the period of the Blaugrana’s dominance.
Barcelona’s message to Flick was clear as they urged him to avoid giving Mourinho or Real Madrid any unnecessary attention during his press conferences.
“Do not utter a single word about Mourinho or Real Madrid.”
Flick has already shown that he intends to follow that advice. When he was asked about Real Madrid and Mourinho during his press conference ahead of the league opener against Elche, the Barcelona boss quickly redirected the conversation towards his team’s upcoming opponent.
“Are we facing Real Madrid tomorrow? Then ask me about Elche.”
The response reflected Flick’s approach of keeping the focus on the match immediately in front of him rather than being drawn into discussions that could create unnecessary tension.
Sport also reported that the Barcelona manager will continue following the club’s advice, with his personality and reluctance to respond to provocations making the approach a natural fit for him.
However, the subject is unlikely to disappear completely as the season progresses. With Clasico meetings approaching, Flick will inevitably face questions about Real Madrid and Mourinho.
Barcelona’s concern is that anything said about the Portuguese coach could potentially become another source of conflict. For Flick, that means maintaining the same cautious approach whenever Mourinho or Real Madrid becomes the subject of questions.
The warning from Barcelona therefore gives Flick a straightforward instruction: keep his attention on his own team and avoid providing Mourinho with an opening for another controversy.
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