Ahead of their Champions League opener against Newcastle United, FC Barcelona have received a much-needed boost. What initially looked like a coaching setback has now turned into positive news for Hansi Flick and his staff.
The German coach and his assistant, Marcus Sorg, were originally suspended from being on the bench due to sanctions carried over from last season’s elimination against Inter Milan.
However, according to [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20250912/1002530650/hansi-flick-podra-dirigir-barca-newcastle.html), UEFA has now partially accepted Barcelona’s appeal, meaning both Flick and Sorg will be able to direct the team from the technical area at St James’ Park.
This decision comes as a relief for Barça, who had been facing the prospect of entering their European campaign without their head coach on the sidelines. Still, UEFA’s ruling does not come without conditions.
Although this decision is undoubtedly positive for Barcelona, it does not come without restrictions. Both Flick and Sorg will remain under a one-year probation period.
During this time, any act of misconduct will see the original sanction reinstated along with any new punishment that UEFA deems appropriate.
The key outcome is that Flick will be on the bench for Barcelona’s Champions League debut, a competition that continues to carry enormous weight after the disappointment of falling just short of the final last season.
The German coach now has the opportunity to set the tone for this year’s campaign, but he will have to do so with the awareness that every action is being closely monitored.
For Barcelona, the decision is both a victory and a reminder. Their coach will be present for the challenge ahead, but the margin for error in conduct is now thinner than ever.