'A piece in the puzzle of our success' - Barcelona boss Hansi Flick pays emotional tribute to 'unbelievable' club doctor Carles Minarro Garcia after his tragic death

The past few days have been emotionally difficult for everyone associated with Barcelona. Last Saturday, Carles Minarro Garcia, a respected doctor for the first team, tragically passed away. On Monday, head coach Flick paid tribute to Dr. Minarro, reflecting on the loss of a close colleague during a press conference. The attendees observed a minute of silence in honor of the doctor before Flick shared a few heartfelt words in remembrance.

As reported by MARCA, the first team players arrived at the Montjuic stadium on Saturday, ahead of their LaLiga clash against Osasuna, unaware of the tragic news about their doctor. He was found deceased in his hotel room at the Hotel Melina Gran Melia, where the team had been staying before their match. Upon special request from the club, the game against Osasuna was suspended.

The players were joined by club president Joan Laporta, sporting director Deco, and football coordinator Bojan Krkic at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Sunday morning, where they observed a minute's silence in memory of their beloved doctor ahead of training.

On Monday, Flick, typically known for his composed demeanor, struggled to hold back his emotions while speaking about Dr. Minarro. He went on to share heartfelt words in remembrance of the doctor, stating that he was crucial to the team's success.

"The President [Joan Laporta] also said something in the dressing room, he said it on Sunday and I spoke to the team yesterday. It’s a big loss, he was a great person and a great doctor," Flick told reporters (h/t Football Espana). "He was unbelievable for the team and for the club, the team he formed with Ricard, he was a piece in the puzzle of our success.

"We will miss him, but sometimes that’s life. We want to play for him, in this situation it’s very important to win for him. We are ready for it. We must continue, it’s our job. It’s an important situation for the club and we want to do well."

After taking on Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday night, Barcelona face a potential title-decider in La Liga as they visit third-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Diego Simeone's men are just one point behind Barcelona, albeit having played an extra game.