Hansi Flick Will Lead Barcelona in El Clasico After Father’s Death

hansi flick will take charge of Barcelona in Sunday's El Clasico against Real Madrid despite the death of his father. Barcelona can clinch back-to-back La Liga titles with a win or draw, putting the match's competitive edge alongside a personal loss for the 61-year-old manager.

Barcelona's Sunday afternoon statement

Barcelona announced the death of Flick's father on Sunday afternoon and said: "FC Barcelona and the entire blaugrana family wish to send all our love to Hansi Flick after the passing of his father." The club added: "We share in your sorrow and our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time."

Flick replaced Xavi in May 2024 and has won four trophies with Barcelona since then. He also won the Bundesliga twice as manager of Bayern Munich before moving to Spain, but the immediate focus now is on handling El Clasico with a family bereavement hanging over the weekend.

Nou Camp tribute before 20:00 BST

Tributes will be paid at the Nou Camp before kick-off, with a minute's silence scheduled before the 20:00 BST start and players wearing black armbands. Real Madrid said: "Real Madrid, its president and its directors deeply regret the death of the father of Hansi Flick."

Real Madrid added: "Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and affection to their families and all their loved ones. Rest in peace." For Barcelona, the task is now simple on the pitch: avoid defeat and the title stays within reach through a result against its biggest rival.