Flick praises Mourinho ahead of Clasico, confirms Kounde and Dani Olmo will miss the match

There's something curious about hearing a coach praise his rival right before the hottest match on the calendar. But that's exactly what Hansi Flick did ahead of the Clasico against Real Madrid, when asked about Jose Mourinho and he didn't hesitate for a second to give credit where it was due.

"When you manage teams at this level for so many years, we're talking about quality. And he's shown it at every club. When I was a national team coach, I visited him in Madrid, and I can say that every player who's been coached by him speaks highly of him. He's a great coach and a great colleague," said Barcelona's coach, making clear that the respect between the two benches remains intact despite the rivalry.

The absences worrying the Barca locker room

But it wasn't all good news at Flick's press conference. The German confirmed what had already been expected: Jules Kounde will not be available for the Clasico. The French defender came out of the match in La Cartuja with an injury, then missed last Tuesday's game against PSG, and didn't train with the group in Saturday's session either. "Jules won't be with us. We don't want to take any risks," the coach explained, suggesting that caution is winning out over any sense of urgency.

The other absence that stings is Dani Olmo, who had to ask to be substituted mid-match at the Parc des Princes and will now miss roughly a month of action. This right as the midfielder was going through his best stretch of the season. "In Dani's case, he was in a great moment: at one hundred percent and playing at a spectacular level, and it's an unfortunate situation. He's not happy because he's going to miss a lot of matches," Flick lamented, clearly aware of what it means to lose a player in that kind of form.

Confidence, referees, and a Madrid side arriving in strong form

Beyond the injuries, Flick said he had "good feelings" and preferred not to get drawn into controversies that have nothing to do with what happens on the field. "I believe in the referees. I'd rather focus on my team, I know this has to do with headlines and it doesn't interest me, I want to focus on the match," he said, keeping his distance from any outside noise.

On what this match means, the coach didn't hold back: "The Clasico is different, it's the best match there is. Millions of people from different cultures connect through this match. It's much more than three points. It's fantastic to be part of that, everyone on my team is eagerly looking forward to the game."

And the opponent? Flick isn't under any illusions about how difficult it will be to face Real Madrid at its best. "I imagine a Madrid side with great confidence, with great players and a great coach. They have players of great quality, especially in the final third. I imagine a confident team," he warned, aware that his side will be looking to open up a nine point lead over their eternal rival in the LaLiga table if they manage to win.