Hansi Flick addressed the confrontation with Marcelino that followed Barcelona's win over Villarreal, and he said the matter was discussed outside after the match, with the phrase barcelona - villarreal describing the encounter between the two coaches.
Flick told reporters he had raised the issue of fair play, saying "We talked about it afterwards outside. In the end, fair play is when a player is on the ground and you kick the ball out of play." He framed his remarks as a matter of principle.
The coach recalled specific moments in play, adding "We did it once, maybe twice, and at that moment Lamine was lying on the ground, I expected that from the opponent, and that's what I told him." He described the comment as part of a heated moment during the match.
Flick accepted the match official's response, noting "I got the yellow card for that, and I deserved it." He presented the card as a clear consequence and did not dispute the booking when speaking to reporters after the game.
He underlined that the exchange had been settled after the final whistle, saying the postmatch conversation took place outside and that the incident was now behind them.
Reaction And Context
Flick acknowledged strong emotions in the heat of the contest and said "But emotions run high, it happens." He used that line to explain how the incident unfolded between the two coaches during the closing stages.
He offered praise for Marcelino despite the clash, stating "He's doing a great job with this team and I respect him a lot." Flick framed the discussion as temporary and personal, not a lasting grievance between opponents.
The coach reiterated that after the game the matter was forgotten, calling it "just the moment." He stressed that both men had moved on following their brief exchange, according to his account to reporters.
The public account combined acceptance of disciplinary action with a call for fair play and respect, as Flick balanced criticism of a specific act with praise for his counterpart's work with the team.
