Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has slammed the Spanish La Liga fixture as Barcelona prepares to take on Celta Vigo on Saturday afternoon.
Flick praised the players for their resilience as they chase an historic treble, while calling on La Liga to give the players time to rest.
Barcelona’s La Liga game at Real Valladolid on Saturday, May 3 will kick off at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) after it was moved from an afternoon start on Sunday, May 4.
Flick is unhappy with the fixture scheduling which does not allow the players to have enough rest when they return from European assignments.
He said, “Every league protects their clubs, especially when they play in the semifinals of the Champions League. It’s unbelievable, we have no time to rest.
“For me, the guys responsible for that — I want to discuss it with them, I don’t want to make excuses or complain. I’m happy we’re not playing on Sunday at 2 p.m against Valladolid.
“But why can’t we play at 6 p.m like we normally do? Give me one reason. To me, it’s a joke and it affects Spanish football. The rest of the teams in the European leagues benefit.
“I’m speechless because this situation is unbelievable. In the Bundesliga or Premier League, they take care of their clubs. They [LaLiga] have no idea what this [arriving late] means for the players.
“In the end, you have to look at yourself in the mirror, and be honest with yourself. I’m proud of my players because they give everything. Incredible players and a spectacular club.”
He also provided an update on the fitness of Jules Kounde, who has played every game this season.
Flick said, “The problem with Kounde is that if one day we do 30 minutes less training he goes running off to Sitges. He’s an incredible player and he’s at his physical peak. I talk to them and they are honest about how they are physically.
“You can also see it in the data we have. But I need them to be honest with me and Kounde tells me he’s fine.”
Barcelona are still active in all the three competitions they are participating in this season.
Flick’s men are four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid in the race for the La Liga title, and they are also in the Champions League semi-finals.
The Blaugrana have a date with Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on April 26.
