Sources: Hansi Flick to Start as New Barcelona Manager on Monday
In no time, events could unfold rapidly. As per media reports, Hansi Flick has been confirmed as the new coach for FC Barcelona. It's only fitting that Xavi, who was at odds with the Barça boss owing to his remarks on the caliber of the team, has made his exit.
The once beloved Xavi won't be coaching at FC Barcelona in the new season – and it appears Hansi Flick has been chosen as his replacement. This information has been circulated by various media platforms. The fact that Xavi will no longer continue as coach was made public by the club. His final match at the Sevilla FC will serve as a fitting farewell.
FC Barcelona released an official statement, stating, "Club President Joan Laporta informed Xavi Hernández this morning that he will no longer be the coach of the first team in the 2024/25 season. The meeting occurred at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper." The club expressed gratitude towards Xavi for his coaching efforts, which reinforced his already legendary playing career and stint as team captain.
No official announcement was made regarding the new coach, but Flick seems to be at the forefront. According to reports, the former German national coach has already sealed a deal with Barcelona and will be unveiled on Monday. There's speculation of a one-year contract, coupled with an extension option. This piece of information was first published by the newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" early this morning. It's said that Flick had a crucial phone conversation with Barça's sporting director, Deco, on Wednesday.
Flick toppled Barcelona four years ago
Following his dismissal from the DFB in September 2023, Flick has been jobless. During his tenure, Flick accomplished the feat of winning the six-team cup and outclassing Barça 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2020. Spanish media speculates that Flick may recruit Cristian Fiel or Oscar Corrochano, who speak Spanish fluently, as co-coaches.
Xavi helmed the Catalans since 2021. In January, he declared his resignation for the summer, despite his contract running till 2025, but then reneged in April. However, Laporta has put an end to the notion. It is said that Laporta was infuriated when Xavi aired his concerns about the ineffectiveness of the team, centering on Marc-André ter Stegen, İlkay Gündoğan, and Robert Lewandowski, as well as the club's financial woes. He also drew comparisons with their fierce rivals, Real Madrid. Xavi clarified that he'd only voiced the truth: "That we'll fight for all the trophies with fervor and ambition, but the circumstances aren't easy." The club pushed back, asserting that they're "working incredibly hard to alter this situation."
Barcelona ended the current season with zero title. Under Xavi's tenure, Barça got their hands on the Spanish Super Cup and the league title in 2023.
Read also:
- Prodigies of sport: Littler's predecessors
- Nagelsmann's announcement: A restless Christmas for national team players
- What sports fans prefer to watch on television
- The calm before the upheaval: Nagelsmann's European Championship plans
In light of Xavi's departure, FC Barcelona is set to introduce Hansi Flick as their new manager on Monday. This move comes after Flick's impressive tenure with FC Bayern Munich, where he outperformed Barcelona in the Champions League quarters. In an unusual turn of events, Flick managed to overpower Barcelona four years ago, leaving a significant impact.
Source: www.ntv.de
