Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has commented on the standard of refereeing, although no further detail about his assessment is given in the report.
Flick’s remarks come as Barcelona prepare to begin their Champions League campaign against Feyenoord on Wednesday, 9 September. The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:45 Moscow time and will be the Catalan club’s first European fixture of the new season.
The report’s main focus is whether Flick is satisfied with the level of officiating. His comments on refereeing are noted ahead of a match that will mark the start of Barcelona’s involvement in the Champions League, but the report does not provide a fuller explanation of his position or identify any particular refereeing decision.
Barcelona will go into the fixture in strong domestic form. They have won all four of their matches in the new Spanish league season, giving them a perfect record after four rounds. Those results have earned them 12 points and left them top of the table.
That unbeaten start is the platform on which Flick’s side will begin their European campaign. The meeting with Feyenoord is the next fixture listed for the Barcelona head coach and his players, with the match taking place on Wednesday evening.
Flick has also been quoted as saying: “All big clubs want to win the Champions League”.
The statement reflects the importance attached to the competition by leading clubs, including Barcelona. The Catalan side now face Feyenoord in their opening match of the season’s Champions League, having already made an ideal start in domestic competition.
The timing of Flick’s comments means the subject of refereeing has been raised alongside Barcelona’s early-season results and their upcoming European challenge. However, the information available does not include a direct answer from the manager on whether he considers the current level of officiating satisfactory.
Barcelona’s record after four rounds remains four victories, with 12 points collected and first place in the Spanish league standings. Their next match will move their attention from domestic football to the Champions League, where Feyenoord will provide the opposition.
The game is due to begin at 19:45 Moscow time on 9 September. It will be the first Champions League match of the new season for Flick’s Barcelona, who arrive at the fixture after winning each of their opening four league games.