Barcelona Manager Hansi Flick Vows to Alter Behavior because of Grandchildren

Barca manager Hansi Flick states he does not want his young family members witnessing the behavior that resulted in his red card during the match against Girona.

Flick received a yellow card for sarcastically clapping the fourth official when signaled four minutes of stoppage time, following the team's wasted opportunities with the game tied.

When substitute Ronald Araujo netted a decisive goal for Barca, Flick joined the home crowd in joyous scenes and was given a second yellow for displaying an inappropriate signal.

"I don't like my image in this state on TV, and I don't want my descendants from observing their elder like that," the manager said. "Therefore I likely have to change my conduct."

Flick Explains Passion to Love for the Club

Addressing media at a press briefing before the team meet the Greek side in the European competition, Flick linked the gesture for which he was disciplined to the depth of feeling he has for the club, which he has coached since this year.

He was head coach at the Bundesliga club when the German side became the initial to net eight times against Barca in more than 50 years in that year, and states to have been understated on the sideline as his team advanced into a European Cup last four.

"I recall when I was coach of Bayern, the footage of the game against Barca revealed that I had the identical response to the initial, second and final goals," commented Flick. "People said I never smiled! Currently I'm expressing more emotion, it's true, because this team has transformed me."

"Maybe I should restrain my emotions, but I love Barca, Barcelona and its supporters, and that's why I consistently give my all."

Touchline Ban for Key Match

The manager's red card includes a sideline suspension which will restrict him to the stands of the Bernabeu as his team play Real Madrid in the derby on this weekend – though Barcelona are challenging against the ruling.

Barca president the president claimed a "white hand" was behind referee the referee's officiating against Girona – referring to support for the Madrid club – though Flick himself declined to get involved in suggestions of referee partiality.

"I held nothing against the official," he said. "I wasn't complaining at him but he saw it that way and that's a situation I have to accept."