Flick calls for FC Barcelona vs. Espanyol game to be interrupted

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick expressed his preference for a suspension of his team's game against Espanyol this weekend in response to a flood disaster in Valencia that killed over 200 people.

Scheduled games in the affected region, including Real Madrid's away game against Valencia at Mestalla, have been postponed.

Still, there was criticism in some corners that La Liga games across the country were not implemented and were suspended due to the rising death toll.

Asked whether his team's derby clash against Espanyol should be postponed during a press conference on Saturday afternoon, Flick initially replied: “We have Ferran (Torres), who is from the area, and we have spoken.”

“It's not easy to make a decision about what to do. This happened in Germany three years ago. We support everyone affected, but it is a matter for La Liga (to decide).”

However, at another point in his meeting with the media, Flick said more firmly: “If I could make the decision, maybe I would, because it is a tragedy for Valencia and for Spain as a whole,” regarding the postponement of games across the country .

Although his men are currently six points clear of Madrid at the top of La Liga, Flick refuses to accept that Barca are the favorites to wrest the top domestic prize from Los Blancos.

“There is still a long way to go. It’s a very long road, I’ve said that before,” said Flick.

“The road to the La Liga title is very long and something can still happen. We have a good dynamic, good mood and that's the plan we have. In today's training the team showed their quality and if we play like we did.” “If we train, the fans will be very happy,” he promised.

Although it was his first crosstown affair, Flick said he knew “what a Barca-Espanyol derby entails”.

“It will definitely be a difficult game. After a fantastic week, it is important to be there 100 percent tomorrow, with intensity and maximum quality,” he emphasized.

Unless Barca can repeat the performance that saw them win 4-1 against Bayern Munich and 0-4 against Real Madrid in El Clasico at the Bernabeu, which were their last two games, they should be able to take all three points to take with you Montjuic.