FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick offered high praise for José Mourinho on Saturday, ahead of his side’s fixture against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. Speaking to reporters on the eve of Sunday’s clash, the German manager pointed to Mourinho’s long career and extensive trophy collection as clear indicators of elite coaching ability.

Respect Built Across Decades in European Football

Flick recalled crossing paths with the Portuguese tactician in Madrid during his tenure as assistant to Germany coach Joachim Löw. Beyond silverware, the Barcelona boss highlighted the profound esteem Mourinho commands from the players who have worked under him, describing his rival across the managerial divide as a high-performing colleague. The Barcelona manager added that he had previously visited Mourinho.

Sidestepping Officiating Debates in the Capital

While previewing the tenth-round league match, Flick deliberately distanced himself from ongoing discussions surrounding refereeing controversies involving Real Madrid. Flick told reporters that he prefers to shield his squad from media noise and sensational headlines, prioritizing strict internal preparation over external distractions. He expressed complete trust in the refereeing standard, stating that everyone must protect their players.

Collective Discipline to Contain Kylian Mbappé

Because Barcelona operates with an advanced defensive line, Flick noted that collective discipline makes the backline’s job significantly more manageable.

Injuries Sideline Koundé and Other Barcelona Players

Barcelona enters the Camp Nou encounter dealing with several notable injuries. Le coach du club catalan a confirmé que les défenseurs centraux Eric García et Andreas Christensen, le milieu de terrain Dani Olmo ainsi que le latéral droit Jules Koundé sont à l’infirmerie. Flick specifically confirmed that Koundé will not risk his recovery following a left ankle injury, having already missed the UEFA Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, where Barcelona suffered a 4–2 defeat at the Parc des Princes. Meanwhile, the Barcelona manager praised the seamless partnership of young defenders Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín, noting their impressive collective development ahead of Sunday night’s 21:00 CEST (19:00 UTC) kickoff in a match where Barcelona aims to secure a tenth league victory in as many games against a Real Madrid side sitting six points behind them in the standings.