Hansi Flick Keeps Barcelona Focused on Galatasaray Champions League Test

Hansi Flick has kept Barcelona’s focus on their Champions League trip to Galatasaray, declining to discuss Real Madrid’s refereeing complaints or Vinicius Junior before a demanding run of fixtures. The Barcelona coach arrived in Istanbul with a 22-man travelling squad as his side seek a second European win of the campaign.

What changed for the club

Barcelona will be without Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong in Turkey, while Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji are also unavailable through injury. Flick nevertheless indicated that his attention is solely on the immediate test in Istanbul rather than the disputes surrounding Barcelona’s rivals.

Real Madrid reacted angrily to their 2-1 derby loss against Atletico Madrid before the international break, arguing that Cristian Romero should have been dismissed for stamping on Jude Bellingham’s knee and that Kang-in Lee’s challenge on Fede Valverde also merited a red card.

Asked for his view, Flick refused to enter the debate, stressing that he does not answer questions about other clubs and that Galatasaray deserve respect, particularly given their stadium and the atmosphere expected there.

He also cut short questions about Vinicius and the October 25 Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. Vinicius has recently been involved in several flashpoints, including a straight red card and a disallowed goal for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair during Madrid’s 1-0 win over Villarreal. Flick said such questions could be revisited in two weeks.

Competition context

Barcelona opened their Champions League campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over Feyenoord and now face a Galatasaray side looking for a response after losing 3-1 to Sporting CP in their first group-stage match.

The visitors also carry strong domestic form into the match. Barcelona have taken 24 points from eight La Liga games to make a perfect start, while Real Madrid are fourth with 18 points.

• Barcelona: 5-1 win over Feyenoord in their Champions League opener.
• Galatasaray: 3-1 defeat to Sporting CP in their opening European fixture.
• Barcelona’s league record: 24 points from eight matches.

What is scheduled next

After facing Galatasaray, Barcelona return to La Liga with an away match against Real Betis on Saturday. Flick’s side then travel to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on October 20 before hosting Real Madrid in El Clasico five days later.