Barcelona boss Hansi Flick blasts La Liga over Osasuna rescheduling

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has criticised La Liga for rescheduling their clash against Osasuna just two days after the international break.

The match was originally set to take place earlier this month but was abruptly called off minutes before kick-off following the tragic passing of Barcelona’s first-team doctor, Carles Minarro.

The RFEF has now rescheduled the fixture for March 27, a decision that has frustrated Barcelona as they are unlikely to have key players Raphinha and Ronald Araújo available, both of whom featured for their national teams on Tuesday night.

Osasuna also expressed their displeasure with the scheduling, as they were initially set to play Athletic Club just 24 hours later.

However, their fixture has now been postponed to Sunday, alleviating their concerns.

Barcelona are currently top of the La Liga table with 60 points

Flick has openly voiced his frustration at La Liga’s decision, arguing that the scheduling puts Barcelona at a disadvantage as they push for crucial points in the title race.

Speaking to the media, Flick said: “I don’t want to speak about my reaction, I think it’s not good. Players have played for their national teams, but we have to play this match. We can speak about if it’s the right time to play this tomorrow…

“We can also speak about playing Leganes away at 9 p.m. [on April 12 before the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Borussia Dortmund].

“It’s to do with recovery for the players. I am not happy with this.

Flick also revealed that Raphinha, Araújo, and Pau Cubarsí will not feature against Osasuna on Thursday night.

He said: “Rapha and Ronald will not play. They are out. They have a long flight. It’s not the best way. They have to recover, train.

“And at centre-back, Eric [Garcia] and Inigo [Martinez] will start for us. Pau will be on the bench. I hope we won’t need him because also it’s better he has two or three days more. He needs it.”