Hansi Flick signs Heiko Westermann for FC Barcelona
Heiko Westermann leaves DFB and surprises as Co-Trainer at FC Barcelona. A new career peak for the 40-year-old, who looks back on a turbulent career with pride. As a player, he gained cult status among fans. His new home is already familiar to him.
Heiko Westermann is a phenomenon. As a defender in Bielefeld, for Hamburger SV or Schalke, the native Franke was cheered on and jeered by fans, revered and cursed. Regardless of what people thought of the Thousand-Sassa, one thing was clear with every career step: Westermann is a man for the big tasks.
This was also the case as a player, when the defender from the quiet town of Fürth made it to the German national team (27 international caps/4 goals). And now, as a coach, where he will soon be spinning the big wheel: Westermann is joining the trainer team at FC Barcelona and will go on a title hunt alongside Chief Coach Hansi Flick.
The 40-year-old is leaving the German Football Association, where he most recently worked as an assistant to Christian Wörns in the U19. "I am grateful for the intensive five years at the DFB, during which I learned a lot," said Westermann. The DFB filled Kai Krüger, Leader of the Junior National Teams, with pride that Westermann's trainer career "now continues in Hansi Flick's team at FC Barcelona."
Flick assembles star-studded team
Westermann played in his career at Betis Sevilla and is therefore familiar with Spanish football and the language. At Barcelona, he will soon be part of a nine-man coaching staff, which also includes Toni Tapalovic, who was Bayern Munich's goalkeeper trainer until 2023, and Flick's former co-trainer Marcus Sorg. Westermann and Co. were officially presented to the Catalans on Saturday.
Westermann was a player who gained cult status among fans at various points in his career. Whether as a mainstay in Bielefeld, a defensive all-rounder at Schalke, or captain in Hamburg: Westermann made headlines - and he didn't always avoid polarizing opinions. Rarely was a player discussed so passionately in the forums. The phrase "half human, half animal - HW4" was not just an internet meme.
Now Barcelona. And Westermann finds himself, whether wanted or not, once again in the headlines. "This personality shows," said DFB man Krüger, "that we at the DFB not only accompany our talents closely, but also develop and prepare trainer talents for the big stage."
Westermann's coaching journey continues as he joins Hansi Flick at La Liga club FC Barcelona, aiming to contribute to their title pursuit. With his experience at Betis Sevilla and familiarity with Spanish soccer, he is well-equipped for this new challenge.
Heiko Westermann, the defender who gained cult status in various German clubs, will now be strategizing alongside Hansi Flick and a star-studded coaching team at FC Barcelona in the exciting sphere of soccer.
