Hansi Flick Won't Coach Barcelona for the Rest of the Year
Hansi Flick, the German coach of FC Barcelona, will not be on the bench for the team's last two La Liga matches of 2024 after being sent off last weekend during the 2-2 draw against Real Betis. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) imposed a two-match suspension, meaning Flick will miss the upcoming games against Leganés and Atlético de Madrid, both crucial for the club to close out the year.
This decision comes at a delicate time for Barcelona, which now faces these matches without their coach, who was sanctioned after his expulsion against Betis. These are Flick’s last chances to be on the sidelines in 2024, as both matches take place before the year's end. Raphinha and his teammates will need to adjust to his absence and strive to maintain the team's performance without the German coach.
Despite the suspension, FC Barcelona has the option to appeal the decision within the next 10 days. Deco, the club's sporting director, and his team could attempt to reduce the penalty through this process, which could potentially allow Flick to return sooner.
If the appeal is unsuccessful, Hansi Flick will only be able to return to coach Barcelona on January 4, 2025, in the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey against Unión Deportiva Barbastro, a fourth-division team that shocked everyone by eliminating Espanyol in the previous round.
This setback tests FC Barcelona’s ability to continue fighting in all competitions without their coach, while the wait for his return extends into the new year.
