Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" reported that Markus Sorg, assistant coach to Barcelona's Hans Flick, will be responsible for leading the team from the technical area if the suspension of the German coach for one match is upheld.

The newspaper clarified that the Disciplinary Committee of the Spanish Football Federation decided to suspend Flick after he was sent off against Girona for receiving two yellow cards, which means he will miss the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

The same source added that FC Barcelona has filed an official appeal against the decision, hoping to have it overturned, but the chances of success are limited due to the lack of visual evidence proving that Flick's applause was not mocking the referee, but directed at one of his players.

If the appeal is rejected, Flick will watch the match from the stands, while Sorg will lead the team technically, not Thiago Alcantara as some reports suggested.

The newspaper noted that this is not the first time Sorg has taken charge of Barcelona, as he previously did so in 2024 when Flick was suspended for two matches after being sent off against Real Betis, leading the team against Leganés and Atlético Madrid.

Sorg is considered an experienced name in the assistant role, having previously held the same position with the German national team under Joachim Löw, Hans Flick, and Horst Hrubesch.