Hansi Flick reportedly planned to talk about the recent Champions League draw that paired his team with Benfica during a press conference held prior to the La Liga game involving UD Las Palmas.  But in a response about the possibility of winning the Champions League, La Liga, and the Cup, Flick took a surprising turn and talked about the significance of referees’ jobs, mentioning the Munuera Montero case without specifically naming it.

Flick underlined the importance of referee protection, particularly in view of threats made against their families.  “I think we’ll always be looking for reasons,” he said. “If we lose, we blame the referee.  However, that is incorrect.  Referees are not exempt from making mistakes.  But since we can’t play without them, we have to protect them.”  He emphasized that players’ and coaches’ performance should be held accountable for any unfavorable outcome.  “We need to perform better to win, and that’s simply how it is,” he stated.

Flick maintained his composure when asked about Jude Bellingham’s behavior and his English complaints, as well as analogies to the red card he received for a small gesture against actual betis.  A two-match ban is the same penalty.  “I don’t know what to say.  He is one of the top players in his position, as I stated in the previous press conference.  I don’t play with him.  His succinct response was, “I want my athletes to perform on the field in a way that meets my expectations.”

When Flick was asked about the chances of winning the treble in this stage of the Champions League, the topic of referees came up.  “Watching elite matches is fantastic.  However, we have to give credit to the referees in this sport.  What they go through and what happens to their families is incredible.  “We must keep them safe,” he said fervently.

In the locker room, he also remembered telling his players not to waste time protesting.  “It is our obligation.  We shouldn’t waste our time and effort arguing with them.  We must have faith in the decisions made by VAR.  I really care about that.  Referees need to be looked after.  Making mistakes is a natural aspect of being human.  We have to protect them because everyone makes mistakes,” he said.