Barcelona have confirmed former German national team head coach Hansi Flick as their new manager.
Flick will be tasked with reviving the club’s fortunes after a trophyless season under Xavi Hernandez. He joins the Blaugrana on a two-year contract and is set to be presented to fans tomorrow.
A statement from the Catalan club read: “FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick have reached an agreement for the German to become men’s first-team football coach until June 30, 2026.
“By bringing Hansi Flick as coach, FC Barcelona have chosen a man well known for his teams’ high pressing, intense and daring style of play, which has brought him great success at club level and international level, winning pretty much all there is to win in the world of football.”
The German coach has a glittering CV. He masterminded Bayern Munich’s historic sextuple in 2020/21 and was the assistant coach when Germany won the 2014 World Cup.
However, his stint as head coach of Die Mannschaft proved less fruitful as he struggled to gel the squad. The German Football Federation (DFB) dismissed him after a 4-1 loss to Japan last year.
Flick’s arrival is expected to usher in a new structure at Barcelona, with the club aiming to reclaim dominance from arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Los Blancos claimed a record 36th La Liga title this term and are in the final of the Champions League, where they could clinch a record 15th win.
By contrast, Barcelona has not won the Champions League since 2015. Los Blancos have won the trophy four times during that period.
The German will work closely with sporting director Deco to improve the squad and build one capable of challenging for all the major titles.
Flick’s appointment follows the termination of Xavi’s contract after a confusing period for the club.
Barcelona sacked Xavi just four weeks after the club legend publicly confirmed he would remain head coach for next season following talks with the top brass in which they pleaded for him to stay on.
