Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has been given a two-game touchline ban following Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Real Betis in La Liga.
The suspension will be served across upcoming league matches against Leganes and Atletico Madrid. A source confirmed to ESPN that Barca will appeal against the decision.
Marcus Sorg, Hansi Flick's first assistant at Barcelona, will be in charge of the team in the next two matches against Leganés and Atlético Madrid. pic.twitter.com/NMmSYVoQac
— total Barça (@totalBarca) December 13, 2024
Flick was sent off for challenging a decision to award the home side a penalty for Frenkie de Jong’s challenge on Vitor Roa in the second half of the weekend’s game at Betis.
The referee’s report said the German manager “came out of his technical area, shouted, gestured and protested the decision.”
Flick insisted his reaction was not aimed at the referee.
When asked about his ban after the game he said, “I think it’s a reaction because it took a long time to see if it was a penalty or not.”
“If that’s the case, I’m not sure it’s clear [the penalty]. But, in the end, it is what it is. We have to accept it – and my red card as well.
“However, I’m really disappointed with (the red card). I thought it would never happen to me. But here (in Spain), maybe it is, and I have to accept it.”
If Barca’s appeal fails, Flick’s assistant Marcus Sorg will replace him on the bench for the home games against Leganes and Atletico on December 15 and 21 respectively.
ℹ️ – Reminder that Hansi Flick will not be in the dugout tonight due to his red card in the last game. His assistant Marcus Sorg will lead the dugout in the head coach’s absence. pic.twitter.com/E6uSwtwdoZ
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) December 15, 2024
The match against Atletico is turning out to be particularly important, with only a three-point gap between the two teams, while Atletico also have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Barca could receive a €10 million ($10.5m) cash windfall in January, with a source confirming to EPSN that German side RB Leipzig is interested in signing Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza.
Mingueza, 25, joined Celta from Barca in 2022 and the Catalan club is owed 50% of any future transfer.
Leipzig is using a €20m clause included in the full-back’s contract is willing to pay, but Celta are reluctant to lose him in January.
A source said a decision on the Spain international’s future would be made in the coming weeks, adding that Leipzig is prepared to wait until the summer if a transfer proves impossible next month.
Barca will welcome any extra income as they are trying to raise enough money to be able to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for the second half of the season.