After several days of speculation and reports surrounding the departure of Xavi Hernández, FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick finalized an agreement on Wednesday, appointing the decorated German coach as the head of the men's first football team until June 30, 2026.
Flick, 59, agreed to the terms at the offices of the culé entity, where he was joined by Barça President Joan Laporta; Vice President Rafa Yuste, and Sporting Director Anderson Luís de Souza, also known as "Deco."
According to the Catalan club's statement, Flick's appointment is highlighted by his "high-pressing football, intensity, and relentless drive, along with extensive experience at both club and national team levels, having achieved nearly every title possible."
On its official website, Barcelona detailed that "Flick began his coaching career in 1996, serving as a player-coach at FC Victoria Bammental (1996-2000) before taking the helm at Hoffenheim for five seasons (2000-2005)." The press release also mentions his role as an assistant to Giovanni Trapattoni and Lothar Matthäus at RB Salzburg before joining the German national team in August 2006, marking a pivotal shift in his career.
As assistant to Joachim Löw, the Mannschaft reached the Euro 2008 final, the 2010 World Cup semifinals, and the Euro 2012 semifinals before winning the World Cup in Brazil in the summer of 2014, his first major success as a coach.
Following the 2014 World Cup, which included a historic 7-1 semifinal victory over Brazil, Flick stepped down from his assistant role to become the sporting director of the German Football Association until 2017, and later served as general manager at Hoffenheim until February 2018.
A year later, in the summer of 2019, Bayern Munich hired him as Niko Kovac's assistant. Months later, the Munich club dismissed Kovac and appointed Flick as the head coach. At the time, Bayern was fourth in the domestic league, but after two victories, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed Flick's position until the end of the year. The season concluded with the club's second treble in history, including an 8-2 win over Barça, earning Flick the UEFA Coach of the Year award.
Flick left Bayern to coach the German national team in 2021 but was dismissed last year following a 4-1 loss in a friendly against Japan, marking his sixth consecutive match without a win. The team's elimination in the Qatar 2022 World Cup group stage was also a significant factor, and fans were concerned that his style might alienate key players.
Meanwhile, Xavi Hernández, one of the club's legends as a player, departs after finishing the season in second place in La Liga, behind Real Madrid. His final match was on Sunday, securing a 2-1 victory over Sevilla as a farewell to the competition.
Key Questions About Hansi Flick's Appointment at FC Barcelona
Given the high-profile nature of this coaching change, many fans and analysts have questions about what Flick's arrival means for FC Barcelona. Here are some key questions and answers on the topic:
Why did FC Barcelona choose Hansi Flick as their new manager?
FC Barcelona chose Hansi Flick due to his extensive experience and successful track record at both club and national team levels, including winning the World Cup and achieving a treble with Bayern Munich.
What style of football does Hansi Flick prefer?
Hansi Flick is known for his high-pressing, intense style of football, emphasizing relentless drive and tactical discipline.
How did Flick perform in his previous roles?
Flick has had a successful career, including winning the World Cup with Germany in 2014 and achieving a historic treble with Bayern Munich. However, his tenure with the German national team in 2021 ended in disappointment.