Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, has attempted to ease the rising tension with his Real Madrid counterpart, Carlo Ancelotti, by clarifying his earlier remarks.

Flick found himself at the centre of an unwanted war of words when he appeared to fire a jibe at Madrid’s scheduling complaints earlier this week.

After the March international break, Barcelona was tasked with playing against Osasuna in less than 48 hours and, as a result, Dani Olmo suffered an injury. Real Madrid has faced its own struggles with the scheduling of La Liga matches, leading Ancelotti to frequently criticize the league’s authorities. When asked if he would echo Ancelotti’s frustrations following the Osasuna game, Flick curtly responded, “We are Barca, not Real Madrid, and I am extremely proud of our identity.”

When this comment was put to Ancelotti this week, Madrid’s manager ironically replied: “I agree with what he said; Real Madrid is not Barcelona.”

Though not specifically questioned about these subtle jabs in his press conference before the Catalan derby on Sunday, Flick proactively sought to clarify his stance. “I relish my role as Barca’s coach,” he emphasized. “I hold Real Madrid in high regard, and Carlo Ancelotti as well; he is one of the most accomplished coaches and a remarkable individual.”

“The only thing I said is that we are Barca, and I’m very happy with that, with La Masia [the club’s academy]. I feel like I’m part of a family. That involves everyone, the media here, the staff members… the big challenge is for everyone to be united. Today, that’s what I see, and that’s why I’m happy.”

Flick has overseen two victories against Ancelotti already this season, watching his side rattle nine goals past Real Madrid in the league and Supercopa de Espana final. However, the traditional rivals remain locked in tight title race at La Liga’s summit with plenty of focus already shifting towards the final top-flight Clasico of the season in May.