Barcelona get new manager

Following the dismissal of Xavi Hernandez, FC Barcelona has appointed Hansi Flick as the new head coach.

Flick is now on a contract running until June 30, 2026.

In an official statement, the club said, “FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick have reached an agreement for the German to become men’s first team football coach until 30 June 2026.” Flick signed the contract at the club’s offices, with FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta in attendance.

Hansi Flick’s impressive managerial credentials are highlighted by his exceptional stint at Bayern Munich, where he masterminded a record-breaking sextuple triumph in 2020.

In spite of his achievements, he became the first coach to be dismissed by the German national team in September 2023 after a series of disappointing results.

The 59-year-old had been spotted occasionally in the presidential box at Barcelona matches this season, fueling speculation about his potential appointment. This speculation intensified after Xavi Hernandez indicated in January that he would leave at the end of the campaign.

Although Barcelona and Xavi initially agreed in April that he would stay on for another season, Laporta reversed this decision, leading to Xavi’s dismissal last week.

Following his final match, a victory against Sevilla in La Liga, Xavi offered a candid assessment of the challenges ahead for his successor. “It won’t be easy at all; they will suffer and they will need patience because it’s a really difficult job,” Xavi stated. “The only thing that can save them is winning, whether they have been part of the club or not.”

Barcelona’s season ended in disappointment, finishing second in La Liga and suffering a quarterfinal exit in the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The underwhelming performance sparked tensions between Xavi and Laporta, as Xavi pointed out the significant financial disparities between Barcelona and rival Real Madrid.

Hansi Flick takes the helm at Barcelona, aiming to restore the club’s glory days.

(AFP)