FC Barcelona must face Real Madrid in the Clásico without suspended head coach Hansi Flick. His replacement feels a “great honor.”
Until the last moment, FC Barcelona had fought against the suspension of head coach Hansi Flick. But the matchday press conference before the Clásico against Real Madrid brought clarity: Marcus Sorg represented Flick.
The long-time assistant will also take responsibility on the sidelines during the match on Sunday, as confirmed by the Catalans.
Marcus Sorg (l.) represents the suspended Hansi Flick in the Clásico
“It is an honor to sit on the bench,” said Sorg at the press conference. “When Hansi is not here, you feel his absence. He is the most important part of the team.” But the team knows what it has to do.
Personnel-wise, Sorg, whose last head coaching position at the professional level was in 2011 with SC Freiburg, must cope with several setbacks. In addition to Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Gavi, offensive star Raphinha is also missing. Furthermore, Ferran Torres and Jules Koundé are questionable.
Flick had received a yellow-red card in the last league match. Although Barcelona, according to Spanish media, appealed the one-match suspension announced by the RFEF on Wednesday, the revocation of the suspension was considered unlikely anyway.
Flick himself promised improvement. “I don’t like it when I see myself like that on television, and I don’t want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that,” Flick summarized and concluded: “So I probably have to change my behavior.”