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Barca manager Hansi Flick states he does not want his young family members seeing the behavior that led to his dismissal during the match against the Catalan rivals.

Flick was shown a caution for mocking applause the match official when he indicated four minutes of injury time, following the team's missed chances with the score level.

When substitute the defender scored a decisive goal for the club, Flick joined the fans in joyous scenes and was given a second yellow for displaying an obscene gesture.

"I dislike my image in this state on TV, and I don't want my grandchildren from seeing their grandfather like that," Flick explained. "So I probably have to adjust my conduct."

The Coach Explains Emotion to Love for Barcelona

Speaking at a news conference before Barcelona meet Olympiacos in the European competition, Flick attributed the raised finger for which he was penalised to the strong emotions he has for the team, which he has managed since this year.

He was head coach at the Bundesliga club when the team became the first to score eight goals against Barca in over five decades in 2020, and claims to have been reserved on the sideline as his team advanced into a European Cup last four.

"I recall when I was manager of Bayern, the footage of the game against Barca showed that I had the same reaction to the initial, second and eighth goals," said Flick. "People remarked I never smiled! Currently I'm showing greater passion, it's true, because this team has transformed me."

"Perhaps I should control my impulses, but I love Barca, the city and its people, and that's why I consistently give my all."

Suspension for Key Match

Flick's dismissal comes with a touchline ban which will restrict him to the stands of the stadium as his team play the rivals in the derby on Sunday – though Barcelona are challenging against the decision.

Barca leader the president alleged a "white hand" was behind official the referee's officiating against Girona – referring to support for the Madrid club – though the coach himself declined to get drawn into suggestions of officiating bias.

"I had no issue with the referee," he stated. "I wasn't complaining at him but he saw it that way and that's a situation I have to accept."