Barcelona coach Hansi Flick dodged a question about José Mourinho, his counterpart at Real Madrid, ahead of the Catalan side's clash against Elche.
Barcelona face Elche tomorrow, Sunday, in the second round of the new La Liga season. It's their first match after the postponement of the clash against Athletic Bilbao.
At today's press conference, one journalist tried to ask Flick about Real Madrid signing Mourinho. The German coach wasn't playing ball.
The journalist said: "During the three seasons you've spent here, with your team winning the La Liga title in the last two seasons, you've seen Real Madrid coached by Carlo Ancelotti, then Xabi Alonso, then Álvaro Arbeloa, and now the club have signed Mourinho as a last resort to face you. What are your expectations for Real Madrid's season with him?"
Flick's answer came sharp. According to the newspaper "AS", he replied: "Are we playing against Real Madrid tomorrow? No? So I ask you to ask me about Elche."
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100% of Barcelona's level
Turning to the Elche clash, Flick said: "It's our first match, while it will be their second. We'll need to give 100% of our level. Anything less is not possible. It's important that we win tomorrow."
He also stressed that managing the minutes of the players who featured in the Joan Gamper Cup against Egypt's Al Ahly is essential. "It's natural that the players who played 90 minutes won't play," he explained. "We have to manage it. It's not easy, but there are no excuses."
Special praise for Rodri
Flick also had warm words for new arrival Rodri, reflecting on his first days at Barcelona. "He has also trained on the pitch. We're happy to have him here. It's wonderful. He's a leader, and his character is great."
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