Overview
- Sport reported this week that Barcelona privately warned coach Hansi Flick over the summer to avoid mentioning Jose Mourinho or Real Madrid in press conferences.
- The claim traces to David Bernabeu on Sport’s programme La Posesion and was carried by Yahoo Sports, Goal and Barca Blaugranes.
- Flick has followed the guidance in practice, redirecting questions about the Madrid job with replies such as “Are we facing Real Madrid tomorrow? Then ask me about Elche.”
- Mourinho has already spoken publicly about Barcelona issues, including the Negreira refereeing case and criticism of LaLiga officials, which the club views as keeping pressure on the rivalry.
- Barcelona framed the briefing around Mourinho’s past confrontations with the club and said media silence should protect the dressing room; the policy will be tested by the run-up to the season’s Clasicos.