Before Barcelona's shock against Celta Vigo on Saturday, coach Hansi Flick did not hesitate to criticize the liga in a long and violent rant against the calendar, qualifying the actions of the “joke” liga and openly questioning the calendar officials.
“” Do you know how many games we have played in recent weeks? And do you play late against Valladolid? We arrive very late, the players may be in bed at four or five in the morning. I don't want to look for excuses. But it happens here, and I have never experienced this before. Each championship protects its clubs in the Champions League, and especially in the semi-finals, it's incredible “Said Flick in a furious tone (via Espana football).
The Catalans should play nine games in the next 30 days
He continued: “And we don't have time to rest, and I want to chat with those responsible. Because they have no idea what's going on. No idea what's going on. »»
I don't want to look for excuses. »»
“It's just one thing. I do not want to come here to complain or apologize, and okay, I'm glad it is no longer Sunday at 2 p.m., as before; Now we play Saturday at 9 p.m. Why can't we play at 6 p.m.? Give me only one reason. I want to see the one who decides, who is responsible for it. For me, it's a joke. I also think it's bad for Spanish football. If we succeed, the other teams in the Europa League will be good for Spanish football. Then we will have one more team who can play in the Champions League. I am speechless. I have no words for that. It's amazing.
“” Each federation, the Bundesliga, the Premier League, takes care of its clubs, but we do not do it here. We just say to ourselves, “Ah, let them play, they can return to five or six in the morning”. We have just been going to bed for four hours. It's amazing. »» This is not the first time that Flick openly expresses his frustration against the Liga calendar. At the end of March, Barça was to face Osasuna just two days after the international break, and the German coach had expressed his disappointment.
“I don't want to talk about my reaction, I think it's not good. The players played for their selections, but we have to play this match. We can discuss the right time to play it tomorrow… ”said Flick at the time.
Very annoyed Flick
“We can also consider playing Legans at 9 p.m. (April 12, before the quarter -final return of the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund). When we play outside, it's always at 9 p.m., so we come home late at night. It is a question of recovery for players. I am not satisfied. »»
The Catalans are expected to play nine games in the next 30 days, starting with their championship match against Celta on Saturday April 20. They will then face Mallorca on Tuesday April 22, then the King Cup final against Real Madrid next Saturday. Flick's men are currently at the top of the Liga ranking with four points ahead of their eternal rivals from the Spanish capital.
