FLICK WILL CHANGE BEHAVIOUR 'FOR GRAND CHILDREN '

Hansi Flick won the Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2020

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says he does not want his grandchildren to see the behaviour which earned him a red card against Girona on Saturday.

The 60-year-old was shown a yellow card for sarcastically clapping the fourth official when he indicated four minutes of stoppage time, after Barcelona missed chances with the match level.

When substitute Ronald Araujo did turn home a late winner for Barca, Flick joined the home crowd in wild celebrations and was shown a second yellow card for making an obscene gesture.

"I don't like seeing myself in this state on television, and I don't want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that," Flick said. "So I probably have to change my behaviour."

Speaking at a news conference before Barcelona face Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday, Flick attributed the raised finger for which he was penalised to the depth of feeling he has for the club, which he has managed since May 2024.

Flick was head coach at Bayern Munich when the German side became the first to score eight goals against Barcelona in more than 50 years in 2020, and claims to have been understated on the touchline as his team breezed into a Champions League semi-final.

"I remember when I was coach of Bayern Munich, the footage of the match against Barca showed that I had the same reaction to the first, second and eighth goals," said Flick. "People said I never smiled!

"Right now I'm showing more emotion, it's true, because this club has completely changed me.

"Maybe I should control my impulses, but I love Barca, Barcelona and its people, and that's why I always give my all."

Flick's red card comes with a touchline ban which will confine him to the stands of the Bernabeu as his team play Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday (15:15 BST) - though Barcelona are appealing against the decision.

Barca president Joan Laporta alleged a "white hand" was behind referee Jesus Gil Manzano's officiating against Girona - referring to support for Real Madrid - though Flick himself refused to get drawn into suggestions of officiating bias.

"I had nothing against the referee," he said. "I wasn't complaining at him but he saw it that way and that's something I have to accept it."

- 

ARSENAL EYE TRANSFER FOR BARCELONA STAR WHO 'REJECTED LIVERPOOL AND CHELSEA' - BUT THERE'S A CATCH

Arsenal are reportedly lining up a move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, who has previously rejected interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, who has previously turned down offers from rivals Liverpool and Chelsea. The Uruguayan centre-back has become a fan favourite at the Catalan club due to his leadership skills and robust challenges.

A hamstring injury has kept him sidelined for much of the season, with the 25 year old only recently making his return in the 4-0 victory over Barbastro last weekend. Despite this, he is yet to fully win over head coach Hansi Flick, who prefers Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez as his central defensive duo.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are preparing a January bid for Araujo, something the player is said to be seriously considering. It's reported that Araujo has grown frustrated with certain situations at Barcelona, causing concern among the club's hierarchy.

While Barcelona would be hesitant to agree to a loan deal this winter, they would consider parting ways with Araujo if they receive a substantial and irresistible offer. With just 18 months left on his contract and extension talks stalled, Barcelona have already rejected an offer from Juventus this month due to his importance to the squad.

However, it's suggested they would entertain offers around €70million (£58million), reports the Mirror.

Unlike Juventus, Arsenal have the financial strength to make the move happen. Araujo has always been "curious" about testing himself in the Premier League, and Mikel Arteta's style of play is said to suit him.

However, it's worth noting that Arsenal already have a strong defensive line-up, with their focus this transfer window being on securing a world-class striker. Araujo's decision to turn down a move to the Premier League in 2022, despite lucrative offers from both Liverpool and Chelsea, will certainly endear him to the Gunners' fans if a transfer does go ahead.

According to Sport, he rejected the two English powerhouses when his previous contract was nearing its end, choosing instead to sign a new deal for less money than he would have earned in the Premier League. In an interview with Cadena SER earlier this week, Araujo avoided speculation about his future, but confirmed that talks were underway regarding a possible extension at Barcelona.

"We are talking with the club about my renewal," he said. "But I am fully focused on playing again and getting minutes under my belt."

- Kasra Moradi