Flick ‘responds’ to Real Madrid: «We have to take care of the referees»
Controversy on the eve of the ‘El Clásico’ of the Copa del Rey final. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the referee appointed for the match, cried at a press conference
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick previewed the match against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final . One of the topics discussed was the refereeing issue, after Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who will be in charge of El Clásico , cried during the press conference. Pablo González Fuertes (VAR) criticized Real Madrid ‘s stance , which has been criticizing the refereeing.
“I don’t know what to say about the referees. It’s a sport, a game. Our responsibility is to protect the players. It’s not right to talk. There are emotions. We have to take care of the referees. There can’t be a lack of respect. Not respecting the referees is a lack of fair play . Everyone, clubs, players and coaches”, he said, in a press conference.
Earlier, Ronald Araújo also left a message: «The truth is that I didn’t see the images, they told me that they could ask me this. Being a referee is a very difficult profession.»
This season, Barcelona have already faced Real Madrid on two occasions and won (4-0 and 5-2). Flick doesn’t think about that.
“It’s in the past. Let’s focus on the present. Enjoy the final. Real Madrid have a fantastic team and they can cause us problems. I want to see my team fighting for the title. We always adapt the game plan depending on the match and the opponent. It’s nothing more than that. This time it will be the same,” he said, praising Lamine Yamal , who is close to 100 games.
“He’s an incredible player for his age. He has something special for you and you’ll see it soon,” he said, smiling, but without going into details.
Flick explained how to prepare for a final and went back to the beginning of the season.
“We started a journey at the beginning of the season and we have the opportunity to win three titles. And that is our objective. We know it is difficult, Real Madrid are a difficult team,” he concluded.
