Since he has taken the job at FC Barcelona, the management methods of Hansi Flick have been the subject of a lot of commentary and speculation in the media. One of the aspects of his management that has raised a lot of interest in the club’s followers is his emphasis on discipline.
There have already been reports of the German tactician dropping a player from the starting line-up as important as Jules Kounde for a match because he was late for a team talk. Some players, like Pedri and Pau Victor, have also talked about the way Flick approaches these matters in their recent media appearances.
Now, as SPORT has reported, the Barcelona trainer has himself opened up on this subject as he addressed the press conference ahead of the game against Real Sociedad. At this event, Flick explained why he is so strict regarding this matter:
“It’s a rule, a standard. I’m not talking about what happened before, but it’s about respecting the team… If you’re 5 minutes late, the others have to wait for you, and it’s disrespectful.”
There is no doubt that Hansi Flick has a point and keeping others waiting for you is disrespectful, not only in the Barcelona dressing room but in any social setting.
Thus, one cannot hold it against the German coach to have taken action against some players who have been guilty of such conduct.
But from the episode of the punishment against Kounde, another positive attribute of Flick that showcases itself is his egalitarianism.
Despite the temptation to play the French defender, a key member of the team, Flick stayed true to his principles by enforcing his rules and benching him after the violation.
These recent comments further clarify Flick’s stance on the matter, signaling that players will need to be extra vigilant about their punctuality.
