Barcelona have confirmed the appointment of Hansi Flick as their new head coach on a two-year deal, just days after parting ways with club legend Xavi.
Xavi had announced in January his intention to step down at the end of the season. However, after a late-season resurgence in form, he reversed this decision. Despite the improved results, Barcelona made the surprising move to sack him.
During the period when it seemed certain that Xavi would depart, Barcelona was heavily linked with Hansi Flick. The club has now officially announced his arrival.
It's our moment.
Flick is here. pic.twitter.com/ysb35a6l35— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 29, 2024
Flick has been without a job since September 2023, following his dismissal as Germany’s head coach after a poor run leading up to Euro 2024. His tenure included Germany’s group stage exit at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and only 12 wins in 25 matches.
Before managing the German national team, Flick had a successful stint at Bayern Munich. From November 2019 to June 2021, he won two Bundesliga titles, a Champions League, and four other trophies.
His Bayern team was known for the ‘Flicka-Flacka‘ style, akin to Barcelona’s ‘tiki-taka’ philosophy, and famously defeated Barcelona 8-2 in the 2020 Champions League.
Flick’s appointment has been met with optimism by the Catalan press. However, Xavi offered a word of caution to his successor.
“They should know that they’ve got a difficult situation because Barca is a difficult club and there’s an adverse financial situation too – it won’t be easy at all,” Xavi told DAZN. “He will suffer. This is a very complicated place to be.”
As Flick steps into his new role, he inherits a team with high expectations and significant challenges, aiming to steer Barcelona back to its former glory.