Hansi Flick has suffered the devastating loss of his father mere hours before this evening's crucial El Clasico clash with Real Madrid at the Nou Camp.
Despite his grief, the 61-year-old German manager will take his place in the Barcelona dugout tonight, where victory over their fierce rivals would secure a second successive LaLiga crown.
The Catalan club released a statement expressing solidarity with their head coach during this painful period.
"FC Barcelona and the entire Blaugrana family wish to convey our affection to Hansi Flick over the passing of his father," the club announced.
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"We share his pain and stand with him during this very difficult time for him and his family."
Flick has proven instrumental in reviving Barcelona's fortunes on the pitch, despite the club's ongoing financial difficulties.
In his debut season with the Blaugrana, the former Germany national team boss claimed a domestic double whilst also guiding the side to the Champions League last four.
Hansi Flick will still be in the dugout for Barcelona's match with Real Madrid
| REUTERSHis appointment followed an impressive two-year spell at Bayern Munich, where he captured every available honour.
The pinnacle of his time in Bavaria came in 2020, when he steered the German giants to a remarkable treble comprising the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League titles.
Barcelona go into tonight's showdown knowing a point will be enough to secure the La Liga title.
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La Liga's top goalscorers from the last five seasons | PAThey face a Real Madrid side who are in crisis following a series of dramatic confrontations behind the scenes.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Flick insisted that Barcelona must do their best to overcome their fierce rivals and wrap up the title.
“We have to play and perform. That’s what I want to see," he said.
"We’ve had a fantastic season as a team and that’s what I want to see tomorrow.
“Everyone wants to see the best match LaLiga has to offer. The world will be watching, but ultimately it’s down to us. I want to see a team; that’s what I want to see tomorrow. We’re focused.”
At Madrid, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde were involved in a dressing room fight.
Barcelona can win the LaLiga title if they draw with Real Madrid on Sunday night
|GETTY
Flick played down internal disagreements, however, and insisted that Real still represent a formidable opponent.
“We want to win at home. We have a fantastic team and the fans are behind us," he stated. “It’s a Clásico for them too, and they’ll want to win. That’s only natural.
“At the end of the day, El Clásico is important for everyone – for them and for us. We’re playing at home and we want to win.”
On the drama, he added: “It happens all over the world. Not just at Real. I was a bit surprised, but I don’t mind. It’s not my club. It’s not my team. I don’t think about it.”