Got red in stoppage time and was sent off! Flick: I won t appeal, Araujo says he can play forward

After Barcelona's difficult 2-1 victory over Girona at home, head coach Flick attended the post-match press conference. He was sent off in this game for protesting a penalty, and his celebration gesture after the game also caused controversy. He explained it and analyzed the game.

About this game

This is a very important three-pointer for future confidence and the next game. I'm very happy for the team. That's just the way it goes sometimes. We didn't play our best football. But we scored and that gave us confidence.

About substitution adjustments

They (Pedri and others) have played for many minutes, and I need them to stay fresh for the next game. We have to manage playing time, like Pedri's. The important thing is to win the game and we did that. As a coach you have to make decisions and today we wanted to change something. Fermin is also ready...

About letting Araujo go up front

I am very happy for Araujo. He was very involved. I asked him and he told me he could play that position. We tried and I'm very happy for the players, the club, the fans... Before the substitution, I asked him if he could play with me (fingers in front) and he told me yes. He plays football with all his heart and gives everything for the team. I don't know that Cruyff ever did the same thing to Alexanko, I haven't done that before. Araujo trained very well and felt good in front of goal. The feeling at the time was that this could change the course of the game.

About the controversial "bright elbow" gesture

Football is about passion and tension. It wasn't directed at anyone, it was just a celebration.

About being sent off and celebrating. Frenkie (De Jong) was there and they gave him a yellow card. My reaction was not directed at the referee. I don't know why he gave me the second yellow card. The celebration is not directed at anyone, just because of the way we won. I'm very happy. I have not and will never do anything against others. I accept the referee's decision. That's not directed at him. I applauded to get the team to react.

As to whether being sent off will affect the national derby

I don't consider this. I want to be able to direct the team from the sidelines.

About communicating with referee Hill Manzano

I tried to talk to the referee but couldn't. He went his own way and I didn't get to (talk to him). I accept the referee's decision and he makes it. What I did had nothing to do with him. If he doesn't want to talk to me, I don't feel bad, I accept that.

Complaints about referee decisions

Barcelona has its own way of looking at things, and we must continue to play. We are the leaders and Real Madrid will think they must win. We'll see what happens tomorrow. We didn't play at a high level. I hope this goal helps everyone. We need it.

About Yamal

I think he is doing well, but we will see tomorrow. He didn't say anything to me after the game, which was a good thing. He originally planned to play only 60 minutes. We have no more options. Pedri also played a lot of minutes, so they were both replaced. They are all top players. Toni (Fernandez) also played the first 45 minutes. Fermin's return is also a good thing. He didn't start. This is the right strategy.

On whether there will be an appeal against the red card

I don't think there will be an appeal. The referee has made his decision and I'm not targeting the referee, I'm just encouraging De Jong. That's not against the referee, but it was his decision and I have to accept it.