The rumors about Hansi Flick’s possible engagement at Barcelona persisted. On Wednesday, the Catalans actually presented the former national team coach as their new coach. The 59-year-old is bursting with energy
Hansi Flick as the new coach at FC Barcelona? These rumors died down at the end of April when the Catalans announced that they had convinced head coach Xavi to stay on beyond the summer. However, this connection did not last long, as Barcelona sacked Xavi exactly one month later. In order to bring Flick to the Spanish runners-up.
He was presented as the new coach on Wednesday and given a contract until June 30, 2026. “It is a great honor and at the same time a dream come true to sign as coach at FC Barcelona,” said Flick in an initial statement on the club’s own TV channel: “I am happy to finally be able to start now. “
Flick raves about “one of the best academies in the world “
The contact had been in place for some time. After his time as national team coach, which officially ended on September 10, 2023, Flick deliberately waited for an option that suited him. This has now materialized. Flick raves about an “incredible club”. “Since I arrived, I’ve noticed that everyone loves this club and gives everything to make it successful. “
Flick also likes the sporting prospects. “Barcelona’s philosophy suits mine,” the former successful Munich coach explains: “Possession of the ball and attacking soccer – those are aspects of the game that I also like.”
In any case, the difficult financial situation did not deter the 59-year-old from joining the Blaugrana. After all, Barcelona have “one of the best academies in the world” and already have “a good mix of experienced and talented players” in the professional team. With creative mind Lamine Yamal (16) and central defender Pau Cubarsi (17), teenagers became indispensable regulars in the season just ended.
Flick’s hunger “is great “
After the discordant parting of ways with Xavi, who announced that his successor at Barcelona would also have to “suffer”, Flick emphasizes the urgent need for “teamwork” – and explicitly refers to president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco.
Success requires good teamwork. And Flick wants to celebrate just such successes with the Catalans: “I won several titles with Bayern and my hunger to follow this path with Barcelona is great. “