Hansi Flick has been announced as the new head coach of Barcelona

Hansi Flick, renowned for his managerial success at Bayern Munich and with the German national team, has embarked on a new chapter as he assumes the role of Barcelona’s head coach under a lucrative two-year agreement. His appointment follows the surprising dismissal of Xavi, a mere month after the club convinced him to prolong his tenure. Initially, Xavi had openly declared his intention to depart the club at the conclusion of the season, but later experienced a change of heart.

Flick’s entrance into the esteemed Nou Camp arena traces back to his departure from the German national team in September, triggered by a disappointing 4-1 loss to Japan and an unanticipated exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Prior to this setback, Flick contributed to Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil as an assistant coach to Joachim Low.

Notably, his illustrious stint with Bayern Munich saw him secure back-to-back Bundesliga titles and the coveted 2020 Champions League. At the age of 59, Flick succeeds a predecessor who left an indelible mark at the club, having accumulated an impressive 25 major trophies during his playing career.

Speaking in a video posted by Barca on X, Flick said: “First of all I would like to say thank you to everyone (involved). It’s a big honour and also a dream for me to sign my contract here in Barcelona, to work for this amazing club, and I’m happy to start.

“The club is unbelievable. The hours I’m here in Barcelona, it’s amazing because everyone here in the club loves this club and tries to give their best so they have success.

“The philosophy they have is similar to mine – ball possession and really attacking football, these are the things I love.

“I won some titles with Bayern Munich and my hunger is really big for titles. I would like to stay on this path with Barcelona and I think we can achieve a lot together.”

Xavi, who admirably steered Barcelona from a lackluster ninth position in LaLiga to the prestigious runners-up spot after the removal of Ronald Koeman, initially celebrated a triumphant league title in his debut full season but grappled with sustaining the same level of success in the subsequent season, ultimately conceding the title to arch-rivals Real Madrid.