Hansi Flick slams La Liga schedule as joke before Champions League clash

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick criticizes La Liga for tight match scheduling ahead of vital Champions League semi-final.

Coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona gives instructions to his players during the UEFA Champions League match at BVB Stadion Dortmund on April 15, 2025, in Dortmund, Germany. Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has slammed La Liga’s scheduling decisions as “a joke,” demanding an explanation from league officials over what he described as a reckless disregard for player welfare. The outspoken comments came just days before Barcelona’s crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan, as the Catalan club faces a compressed match calendar that could impact their European campaign.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Flick didn’t hold back as he expressed frustration over the rescheduling of Barcelona’s domestic league game against Real Valladolid. Originally set for Sunday, May 4, the match has now been moved up to Saturday, May 3, with a late 9:00 p.m. kickoff. That shift, Flick argued, leaves his squad with barely 72 hours to recover and prepare for their Champions League showdown in Milan on May 6.

“I want to see this guy who’s responsible for that,” said Flick. “For me, it’s a joke. It’s unbelievable, and we have no time to rest. The guys who are responsible for that—I want to discuss with them, because they have no idea how it is.”

A call for accountability from La Liga

Flick’s tirade was not merely a spontaneous emotional reaction. Instead, it highlighted an ongoing frustration among top European managers over domestic leagues’ failure to support clubs competing on multiple fronts. With Barcelona chasing glory in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League, the German tactician stressed the need for better fixture planning.

“The Champions League is one of the most important tournaments, and every other league makes sure their clubs have enough time to rest and prepare,” he said. “In the Bundesliga and Premier League, they help you. Here? Just play. It’s unbelievable.”

Having led Bayern Munich to a historic treble in 2020, Flick is no stranger to the pressures of managing a squad through a packed schedule. But he admitted the current situation in Spain left him “speechless.”

Champions League pressure mounts

The controversy comes at a critical time for Barcelona, who are preparing for one of their most significant fixtures of the season. After advancing past Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals with a 5-3 aggregate win—despite losing the second leg 3-1 in Germany—Barcelona now face a formidable Inter Milan side in the semi-final.

The first leg at Camp Nou ended in a tightly contested 1-1 draw, setting up a tense decider at the San Siro. With little time to rest following their domestic commitment in Valladolid, Flick fears fatigue could play a major role in the outcome of the tie.

“Every small detail matters in matches like this,” Flick said. “And when your players have to travel, recover, and prepare all in such a short space of time, it affects everything—strategy, performance, even morale.”

La Liga’s stance and wider criticism

La Liga has not yet responded publicly to Flick’s statements, but the decision to move the Valladolid fixture was reportedly due to broadcast considerations. Still, critics argue that the league’s priorities seem skewed toward commercial interests rather than athletic performance and player health.

Flick’s comments echo concerns that have been raised by several top managers across Europe in recent years, including Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp, who have also called for more sensible scheduling in the modern game. However, Spain’s top flight has been particularly resistant to change, often placing club obligations secondary to centralized media and league revenue strategies.

Barcelona’s domestic challenge continues

Before they can turn their full attention to the Inter Milan clash, Barcelona will look to solidify their lead at the top of La Liga. On Saturday, they host Celta Vigo at the Olympic Stadium, with a chance to extend their advantage over Real Madrid to seven points—at least temporarily.

Despite suffering their first defeat of the calendar year in Dortmund, the Blaugrana remain in strong form under Flick’s leadership. His blend of tactical discipline and squad rotation has paid dividends, keeping Barcelona competitive on all fronts as the season enters its decisive stretch.

However, the heavy load is beginning to show. Injuries, fatigue, and mental wear are all compounding factors, and Flick has made it clear that without institutional support, Barcelona’s European ambitions could be jeopardized.

The importance of player protection

Flick’s remarks have reopened a long-running debate about the balance between club success and player welfare. With fixtures coming thick and fast, especially for elite teams, rest and recovery are becoming as critical as training and tactics.

“In modern football, you can't just focus on the matchday,” Flick said. “You have to plan everything—travel, recovery, nutrition, tactical meetings. And if the schedule gives you no room to breathe, you're at a disadvantage before the ball is even kicked.”

The 59-year-old coach pointed out that the best teams in the world operate like finely tuned machines—and just like a machine, even a small overload can cause a breakdown.

“We are not asking for favors. We’re asking for fairness,” Flick added. “Give the teams a chance to perform at their best. That's what the fans deserve, and that’s what football should be about.”

Looking ahead to Milan

As Barcelona braces for their Champions League return leg in Milan, Flick’s frustration with La Liga adds another layer of tension to an already high-pressure week. The outcome in Italy could define Barcelona’s season—and potentially shape the legacy of Flick’s first year at the helm.

Win in Milan, and Barcelona are back in the Champions League final for the first time since 2015. Lose, and the narrative may shift from scheduling controversies to missed opportunities. But for now, Flick is choosing to confront what he sees as one of the few things still within his control: speaking out.

“The Force, as they say in Star Wars, is with those who fight for what’s right,” Flick quipped in closing. “And right now, we’re just fighting for some time to breathe.”

Whether La Liga will respond—or reconsider its approach—remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the tension between clubs and scheduling authorities is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. And with coaches like Hansi Flick willing to challenge the system, the debate around player protection in elite football may finally get the attention it deserves.