The prospect of José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid has already intensified the build-up to next season’s El Clasico, with Hansi Flick making clear he is not concerned by the development.
Barcelona’s head coach responded to growing reports that Mourinho has verbally agreed to a two-year deal at the Santiago Bernabéu, taking over from Álvaro Arbeloa.
When asked if he was prepared to face the former Manchester United manager, Flick said, “Yes, why not? He’s the opposing team’s coach, and I’m always ready to face anyone,” per Goal.
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Flick’s comments come shortly after he signed a contract extension that keeps him at Camp Nou until June 2028, setting up the possibility of repeated clashes between both coaches over the coming seasons.
Flick’s extension followed a strong domestic campaign in which Barcelona secured back-to-back LALIGA titles under his leadership.
Mourinho’s expected return to Madrid brings back a familiar rivalry dynamic, recalling his first spell in Spain when he was appointed in 2010 with the task of challenging Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side.
Real Madrid’s move for the Portuguese coach comes after two seasons without a major trophy, with the club aiming to restore domestic dominance.
The potential face-off between Mourinho and Flick has revived talk of a more intense El Clasico atmosphere, similar to that of the early 2010s.
During Mourinho’s first tenure, the rivalry was marked by on-field confrontations, red cards, touchline clashes and repeated off-field tension that defined the era.
Flick now steps into that backdrop as attention builds ahead of another chapter in one of football’s most heated rivalries.
