Barcelona manager shares his opinion on dressing room tension at Real Madrid: ‘If that ever happened here…’ | OneFootball

With tensions continuing to grow around Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico, much of the attention during Hansi Flick’s latest press conference focused on the reported dressing room turmoil inside the Madrid camp.

Recent weeks have seen multiple reports emerge regarding conflicts involving players such as Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Carreras, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Federico Valverde, adding further pressure ahead of the title-defining showdown between Barcelona and Madrid.

Despite the growing noise surrounding their rivals, Flick insisted Barcelona’s focus remains unchanged heading into the match at Spotify Camp Nou.

When asked whether Madrid’s internal problems make Barcelona favourites, the German manager responded, 

“Our objective is clear. We want to win. We’re playing at home, we’ve got a good team and the fans will be behind us. 

“But for Real Madrid, it’s also a Clásico. It’s important for everyone. What we want is to win.”

More on Real Madrid dressing room

Flick also spoke about the importance of dressing room unity and the responsibility managers have when conflicts likes these arise between players.

“The most important thing in a dressing room and a club is to be pulling in the same direction. And that’s what I value most at Barça. 

“These things happen in life. If that ever happened here, I’d think about it then. You have to communicate the problems and manage them.”

The Barcelona manager admitted he was surprised by the reports coming out of Madrid, but said that he has no intention of becoming involved in matters outside his own club.

“It happens all over the world. Not just at Real. I was a bit surprised, but I don’t mind. It’s not my club. It’s not my team. I don’t think about it.”

Mbappe’s importance

Flick has nothing but praise for Mbappe. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Flick was also asked about Kylian Mbappe and suggestions from some observers that Madrid might function better without the French superstar in the lineup.

The German coach completely dismissed that idea while delivering huge praise for the forward’s quality.

“He’s one of the best players in the world, for goodness’ sake. He has incredible quality on the pitch. He’s dangerous in every situation. 

“In front of goal, he’s the best in the world. And he’s dangerous outside the box, inside the box.”

Egos kill success

Barcelona head into the Clasico full of confidence after a strong run of performances, but Flick rejected the idea that his players are becoming overconfident because of Madrid’s current situation.

“We don’t have to do anything different from what we normally do. 

“We’ve had a great season and in the last two or three weeks we’ve been playing very well, with confidence. 

“We have to give our best as a team and be ready to play a good match.”

Finally, Flick revisited his famous phrase about egos damaging success and was asked whether that could apply to what is currently happening at Real Madrid.

“I don’t want to talk about Madrid because it’s not my job. But the saying is true because it’s all about ‘us’, not ‘me’. 

“Everything we decide has to be good for the team, and that’s how we manage it. That’s my view,” he concluded.

Source: AS