Barcelona Appoints Flick as New Head Coach
Barcelona Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Hansi Flick as their new head coach, succeeding Xavi Hernández. Flick, the former Bayern Munich coach, has signed a two-year contract with the Catalan club.
The decision to bring in Flick comes shortly after Barcelona reached an agreement to part ways with Xavi, following a season where the team finished second to Real Madrid in the Spanish league.
In his first statement to the club media, Flick expressed his honor and excitement about joining Barcelona: “It’s a big honor and also a dream for me to sign my contract here in Barcelona, to work for this amazing club.”
Flick, who led Bayern Munich to Champions League glory and consecutive Bundesliga titles, emphasized his hunger for success: “I won some titles with Bayern Munich and my hunger is really big for titles. I would like to stay on this path with Barcelona.”
The 59-year-old coach highlighted the shared philosophy between him and the club regarding possession-based and attacking football: “These are the things I love.
Speaking about Barcelona’s squad, Flick praised the blend of youth and experience: “Barcelona has one of the best academies in the world and a good mix between experienced players and young talented players. We have to groove them (so) that they can improve. This is our job.”
Flick, famously known for Bayern’s 8-2 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals in 2020, was accompanied by sporting director Deco as he signed the contract at Barcelona’s offices.
Barcelona’s statement hailed Flick for his high pressing, intense, and daring style of play, which has brought him significant success both at club and international levels.
The new head coach will reunite with former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, who is now with Barcelona, along with goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and midfielder Ilkay Gündogan, whom he coached during his tenure with the German national team.
Flick becomes the third German coach in Barcelona’s history, following Hennes Weisweiler and Udo Lattek. His arrival marks a strategic shift for the club as they seek to return to the summit of Spanish and European football under his leadership.
