On Thursday, Hansi Flick was officially unveiled as the new coach of FC Barcelona. The former national coach avoided comparisons to his former club Bayern, raved about La Masia – and answered the captaincy question pragmatically
As is customary in Spain, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta took the floor first on Thursday. The 62-year-old was quick to call Hansi Flick the “ideal solution” for Xavi’s successor. “He is the best qualified person to give the desired new impetus – and also to overcome the challenges that the immediate present holds for us,” said Laporta.
At the same time, Flick must also be able to cope with the pressure to succeed at one of the biggest clubs in the world. Only victories and titles count. Flick has been enjoying the feel-good atmosphere necessary for this since July 1. “I’m very happy with these first few weeks,” said the former national coach.
The 59-year-old repeatedly referred to La Masia in his comments. The talents of the world’s most famous academy are to be heavily involved
They shouldn’t have any problems getting used to Flick’s style of play. The idea of his soccer hardly differs from that of Johan Cruyff or Pep Guardiola. It’s the Blaugrana school. “My idea is to have a team on the pitch that is active, that knows what it can do with and without the ball,” said Flick. It should be technically demanding, beautiful soccer paired with passion.
Passion for Barcelona: “I love that “
Flick says he can feel this passion for the Catalan club “every day – and I love that”. When asked by a German reporter, Flick avoided any comparison with FC Bayern because he simply thought it was “not a good idea”. However, Flick does not hide the fact that he has “left his comfort zone” for FC Barcelona.
When it comes to transfers, Laporta may also want to leave them behind this summer. The financial situation has obviously improved considerably. “We are on the way to normality,” promised Barcelona’s president. “We can make any transfer we want to make. If necessary, we will improve the squad. “
Dani Olmo offer too low?
The “sporting balance” within the squad must always be maintained when planning transfers, however. Specifically, the Catalans are currently looking at European Championship high-flyers Nico Williams (Bilbao) and Dani Olmo (Leipzig), although the latter is no longer available at a fixed price. In the case of the latter, Mundo Deportivo, which is close to the club, reports that Barcelona failed with an initial offer of 40 million euros and 20 million euros in potential bonuses.
Flick says he prefers to deal with the players already at his disposal anyway. The injury to Ansu Fati, to whom Flick attested “very strong training sessions”, was “very unfortunate” in view of the upcoming trip to the USA. Flick sees the German U-17 world champion Noah Darvich as remarkably mature: “He has grown up, has a good body and good technique. “
Secretly, quietly saw off captain Sergi Roberto
When it came to the question of the future captain, Flick was pragmatic and did not let anyone look at his cards. Sergi Roberto, captain in the previous season and part of the club since 2006, was simply “not a Barcelona player at the moment”. End of the answer.
The Barcelona veteran, who was promoted from the second team to the professional squad in 2013, has in fact been without a contract since June 30. Under Xavi and his successor Flick, he is said to have been promised continued employment – but ultimately on reduced wages. For this reason, Sergi Roberto is said to have already decided against staying in Catalonia. The Premier League is mentioned as a possible destination
