‘We must protect them’… Barcelona coach shares his opinion on the current state of referees in La Liga | OneFootball

La Liga continues to be a competition in which FC Barcelona are determined to compete. If anyone thought that the Catalan club was out of the conversation before, they have already been proved wrong. Despite the La Liga title race slipping away previously, Barcelona have managed to mount a massive comeback.

After their last victory over Rayo Vallecano, La Blaugrana made sure that they capitalized on their golden opportunity. Since then, they have returned to the stop of the La Liga table on the basis of goal difference, and Barcelona are now set to defend their lead.

However, in his recent pre-match press conference, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick spoke about several topics related to the upcoming game and the team’s draw against SL Benfica, but also specifically spoke about the current state of the issues surrounding La Liga referees as well.

As highlighted by MARCA, the Barcelona head coach first addressed the title race in La Liga itself, and pointed out just how intense it has been this season:

“It’s not easy, it’s very difficult. But there are no excuses. We must consider the quality of other teams. The level of the rivals we have ahead is fantastic. It’s beautiful to see high-level matches.”

Soon after, however, he also pointed out that the referees are also needed to ensure the competition’s continuity and integrity in light of the recent controversy and issues surrounding the league’s officials:

“But in this competition, we need the referees. It’s incredible what happens with them. It’s incredible what happens to them and their families. We must protect them. It’s our responsibility. We should not waste energy arguing with them. We have VAR, we must trust VAR.”

According to the Barcelona coach, it is important to protect the referees as well:

“For me, it’s very important. We need to care for the referees. They are human, and it’s normal to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, coaches too… and we must protect them.”

The German coach was also asked to comment on Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham’s recent suspension, but the Barcelona manager chose not to speak too much about another team’s player:

“I have nothing to say. In the last press conference, I already said he’s a great player, one of the best in his position. He’s not my player. I want my players to work on the field as I expect.”

Hansi Flick also stated that it is common for teams to look for excuses and to blame referees for their results. However, the Barcelona coach believes that mistakes are simply part of being human and that referees must be treated as such as well:

“I think we always look for excuses, and if we lose, the referee is blamed. But no, everyone can make mistakes, including the referee. But we must protect them because we can’t play without them. We have to play better to win, and that’s what matters.”

Now, ahead of the game itself, Hansi Flick will be aware of just how cautious Barcelona must be. With the official squad list now released as well, the Catalan giants will be travelling to the opposition’s home ground while looking to ensure that they are the ones to take away all three points.