Barcelona sporting director Deco has defended Hansi Flick after seeing the manager sent off in the closing stages of Saturday’s win over Girona.
Flick was shown the red card by Gil Manzano and is now expected to be hit with a touchline ban, although Deco has confirmed the club will appeal the decision.
“The manager said he hadn’t insulted anyone. We’re sure to appeal Flick’s sending-off. The referees are always more rigorous against us, they push the limits much further. Winning against Barça is always more complicated,
but it gives you greater satisfaction,” he said.
“We fought hard against many things. It won’t be an excuse, whatever the result against Madrid. We’re not going to get into that. There are very strict things against us. We’ll do what we have to do on a legal level.”
Deco also played down talk about Flick’s gesture after Ronald Araujo’s late winner and says it was natural the coach wanted to celebrate.
“Too much importance is given to these things. It’s a moment of euphoria, it’s almost impossible to contain yourself. I’m hoarse because I called. There’s no one who loves Barça who wouldn’t celebrate such a goal with euphoria. Flick has always been a restrained person, he’s a balanced person,” he added.
“There are moments of euphoria… this is football. The manager is still a very balanced person. It’s normal, and all the players were seen celebrating like crazy. Scoring a goal in the 94th minute with your defender playing as a striker is not normal.”
Barca will hope they can get any potential ban overturned but may not be too optimistic. An appeal against a ban for Flick’s red card against Betis failed previously and you suspect Barca will get the same answer this time around too.
