Hansi Flick has spoken highly of José Mourinho ahead of Sunday's Clásico, describing the Real Madrid coach as “a very successful coach and a great colleague”.
The Barcelona manager also recalled meeting Mourinho in Madrid while working as Joachim Löw's assistant with the German national team. He said players who had worked under the Portuguese coach spoke about him with great respect.
Mourinho was more reserved when asked about Flick at his own press conference, but he also praised the Barcelona boss. Sunday's meeting will be their first head-to-head in a Clásico and only the second time they have faced each other as managers.
What Flick and Mourinho Said About Each Other
Flick was asked about Mourinho at Barcelona's pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's game at Spotify Camp Nou.
“I have great respect for him. He's managed some great teams over many years, and he's been successful,” Flick said, according to Barcelona's official website.
Flick also described Real Madrid as a great club with great players and a great coach, and said the team has enormous quality in the final third.
Mourinho was asked for his view of Flick during his own press conference. The Real Madrid coach questioned why he was being asked about an opponent but still acknowledged the work his counterpart has done at Barcelona.
“I don't understand questions related to opponents. He's a great coach and does excellent work. What do you want me to say?” Mourinho said, as reported by Goal.com.
Flick and Mourinho’s History Before the Clásico
The coaches' only previous meeting was in December 2019, when Flick's Bayern Munich beat Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 in the Champions League group stage. Barcelona confirmed the head-to-head record in its official Clásico preview.
Flick has since built an impressive record against Real Madrid, winning six of his seven Clásicos as Barcelona manager. Four of those victories brought trophies: two Spanish Super Cups, a Copa del Rey and a La Liga title.
His wins have come against Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and Álvaro Arbeloa. Barcelona's most recent victory over Real Madrid was a 2-0 league win at Spotify Camp Nou on 10 May 2026.
Mourinho's record against Barcelona during his first spell at Real Madrid, from 2010 to 2013, stands at five wins, six draws and six defeats in 17 matches across all competitions. Real Madrid announced Mourinho's return on 11 June 2026, handing him a contract until 30 June 2029.
How Barcelona and Real Madrid Arrive at the Clásico
Barcelona head into Sunday's game at the top of La Liga after winning all nine of their opening league matches. They have 27 points, with Atlético Madrid on 22 and Real Madrid on 21, six points behind their rivals.
Flick's side are coming off a 4-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Dani Olmo will miss the Clásico after suffering an adductor injury in that match, while Jules Koundé is also unavailable, with Flick confirming that Barcelona will not risk him.
Real Madrid will be without Vinícius Júnior, who is serving a four-match suspension imposed after his dismissal against Villarreal. The ban rules him out of Sunday's meeting. Barcelona will host Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, 25 October, with kick-off scheduled for 9 pm CET.
