Barcelona coach Hansi Flick criticized La Liga's scheduling decisions, calling it a "joke" and expressing concerns over player welfare. The rescheduled match against Real Valladolid on May 3 gives the team less than three days to prepare for a crucial Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan on May 6. Flick demanded to meet with La Liga officials to address the issue, emphasizing the lack of rest and preparation time for his team.
Flick highlighted the unprecedented challenges faced by Barcelona, competing in multiple tournaments and facing fixture congestion. The German manager expressed astonishment at the lack of consideration shown by La Liga towards the clubs participating in the Champions League, contrasting it with other leagues like the Bundesliga and Premier League. Despite the scheduling concerns, Barcelona aimed to maintain their lead in La Liga and recover from their recent loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals.