Barcelona wrapped up their 28th La Liga title with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Thursday, which is the second time in three seasons that they have achieved the feat in the home of their city rivals. Understandably, this created a tense situation for Los Pericos, who did not want to see any celebrations.
There were a few, but ultimately, the Barcelona players and staff quickly retreated to the dressing room before getting the party started. And one of the reasons for this was Hansi Flick, who was pictured ushering his players off the pitch at the RCDE Stadium.
Manolo Gonzalez credits Hansi Flick for celebration gesture
Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez praised Flick for this gesture when he spoke to the media post-match, as per Diario AS.
“He has shown all year to be a good coach and common sense. He’s a gentleman. It makes no sense to celebrate the league at the home of the eternal rival when you can celebrate it calmly and without provoking anyone.”
Gonzalez also spoke on the match itself, expressing his belief that Espanyol were unfortunate to be defeated by their city rivals.
“I think the result was not fair. We knew what game we were going to meet. We had very clear situations, we attacked very well. If we had taken the lead in the first half, the game would have changed a lot”
Gonzalez reveals Lamine Yamal conversation after red card
One of the big talking points of the game was Leandro Cabrera’s late red card for lashing out at Lamine Yamal. Gonzalez gave his thoughts on the matter, and also revealed what he said to the Barcelona superstar following the incident.
“We’re ruining football. He has no strength to injure anyone or hurt them. To fall to the ground like this, you have to do it well. We already know that the subject of theatre is well handled there (at Barcelona) – not only now, but for years. It is an avoidable action, but neither to fall to the ground, nor of expulsion or aggression.
“I told him that he had jumped, nothing more, and to stop throwing himself and provoking.”
