Barcelona suffer blow as Hansi Flick is handed 2-match ban
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been handed a two-match ban following his sending off against Real Betis over the weekend. The German manager saw a straight red for his reaction to Real Betis being awarded a penalty when Frenkie de Jong brought down Vitor Roque.
The Catalans ended up drawing the game 2-2, but remain at the top of the LaLiga table. However, second-placed Real Madrid are just two points behind and also have a game in hand.
To make matters worse, Flick will miss Barcelona's next two games in the league. The German manager will be absent from the sidelines for the home games against Leganes and Atletico Madrid.
Speaking recently about his red card, Flick insisted that he was reacting to himself and didn't speak ill of anyone.
“I don’t understand it. It was a reaction on my part. I didn’t say anything specific to anyone. They have been a long time to see if it was a penalty and that means it was doubtful. It’s my first sending off here, it was a reaction to myself,” said Flick (via Barca Blaugranes).
The Catalans are apparently planning to appeal the ban with the hope of getting it reduced. The LaLiga giants next face Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday, December 11, in the Champions League. Barcelona are currently sixth in the European table after five games, but can move up to second with a win.
How many goals have Barcelona scored under Hansi Flick?
Hansi Flick took charge at Barcelona this summer following Xavi's departure and has done very well so far. The Catalans are playing free-flowing, attacking football under their German manager and have scored goals for fun this season.
The Spanish giants have scored 50 goals in 17 games in LaLiga so far, and have conceded 19. They have won 12 and lost three in the league.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have also been in tremendous form in Champions League. They have won four of their five games so far, scoring 18 goals, the most among the 36 teams so far.
Robert Lewandowski has found the back of the net 23 times in 21 games, while Raphinha has 16 goals and 10 assists from 22 games.
However, the Catalans have been going through a rough patch in the league of late. Flick's team have won just one in their last five games in the league, losing two. The club, though, will hope that it is only a temporary blip.