‘This only happens here’… Hansi Flick furious with the scheduling of Barcelona matches | OneFootball

The 2024-25 season is approaching its end in a few weeks, and FC Barcelona are still competing in all three major competitions, i.e., La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Copa del Rey.

Being involved in all the tournaments means the Catalans have games coming in thick and fast for them, and they are playing twice almost every week.

In such a context, the timing of the games appeared to be a problem for Hansi Flick as he addressed a press conference ahead of the game against Celta Vigo.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the Barcelona coach was quite furious with the situation when asked about the defeat to Borussia Dortmund, and did not hold himself back when criticizing the setting of schedules:

“Do you know how many matches we’ve played in the last few weeks? A lot. And do you know we’ll face the same situation in Milan? We got back late from Dortmund, at 3 or 4 in the morning, and the players went to sleep at 5. We’re not going to complain, but this only happens here.

In every other league, players and clubs are protected when they play in the Champions League. We don’t have time to rest. I’d like to have a chat with those responsible for this, because they have no idea what it’s like for the clubs. Maybe we’re not at our best right now and the other team was better, but we’re in the semifinals.

We didn’t play well in Dortmund, but I’m proud of the players because they try to give their best. When we started preseason, if someone had told us that on April 18th we’d still have a chance at the treble, we all would’ve taken it. In the end, we’ve only lost one game. We have to stay positive, we’re aware of what we’re doing, and the team knows what has to be done tomorrow.”

Further commenting on the situation, the Barcelona coach said:

“I don’t want to make excuses or complain. I’m actually glad we’re not playing on Sunday at 2 p.m. against Valladolid — for me, that’s fine. But why can’t we play at 6? Why not? Give me one reason. I’d love to meet the guy who sets the schedule, because it’s a joke. It’s something that affects Spanish football, because if we succeed in Europe, La Liga benefits.

I’m speechless because this is unsustainable. Every other federation takes care of their teams — but not here. Here, they don’t care if players go to bed at 5 in the morning. They just say ‘let them play and they’ll recover later.’ They have no idea what it means for the players.”

There is no doubt that the situation is far from ideal for the Blaugrana players, but unfortunately, they will just have to keep on playing to ensure their team wins all the big trophies this season. Hopefully, none of them will face any serious implications from such a high workload and will be able to finish the season on a successful note.