Why Hansi Flick's assistant will hold the pre-match press conference before El Clasico | Barca Universal

"The responsibility for the pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash against Real Madrid, on 26 October at the Santiago Bernabeu, has fallen to FC Barcelona's assistant manager, Marcus Sorg. Head coach Hansi Flick is serving a one-match suspension and will not be on the touchline against Los Blancos, with Sorg set to take over the mantle. Last season, when he was suspended, Flick himself attended the pre-match conferences before the matches against Leganes and Atletico Madrid."

"According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick himself believes that his assistant should also take on the press duties due to the one-match suspension he will be serving, despite that not being the case in the past. The Barcelona manager considers Sorg's appearance before the media to be a matter of respect for the work he has been doing, especially as it coincides with one of the most crucial matches of the season, against Real Madrid, with the league lead at stake."

"Meanwhile, as per the report, Flick is not angry that he has been given a one-match touchline ban, although he does believe that communication from referees needs to improve. In the Champions League, he explained, things are handled differently: the fourth official maintains a more open dialogue with the bench and always warns when there is a risk of crossing a line. There are gestures that can easily be misinterpreted, especially when emotions run high."

Marcus Sorg, FC Barcelona's assistant manager, will handle the pre-match press conference and touchline responsibilities for the Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on 26 October. Head coach Hansi Flick is serving a one-match suspension and will watch the match from the stands. Flick believes Sorg should take the press duties as a mark of respect for his work, especially given the fixture's importance with the league lead at stake. Flick is not angry about the ban but calls for improved communication from referees and notes the Champions League fourth official offers clearer dialogue. Flick clarified the applause that led to his sanction targeted a player and was not meant as disrespect toward the referee.

Read at Barca Universal