May 29 (UPI) – Barcelona have hired Hansi Flick to replace former coach Xavi, Spanish football club La Liga announced on Wednesday.
“It `s a big honor and also a dream for me to sign my contract here at Barcelona and work for this incredible club,” Flick told the team’s website.
Barcelona fired Xavi last week. The former midfielder led the club to runners-up during the 2023-24 La Liga campaign. Barcelona won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup under Xavi in 2022-23. They finished second in La Liga in 2021-22, Xavi’s first season.
The Spanish football powerhouse signed Flick to a contract until June 2026. The 59-year-old began his coaching career in 1996 with FC Victoria Bammental. He then managed TSG Hoffenheim from 2000 to 2005.
Flick coached German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich from 2019 to 2021. He also coached the German national team from 2021 to 2023.
Flick assisted Germany in winning the 2014 World Cup. He led Bayern Munich to the Champions League title in 2019. German striker Robert Lewandowski, who now plays for Barcelona, scored a league-best 15 goals. tournament, during that series.
Flick, known for his possession and attacking philosophy, led Bayern Munich to two Bundesliga titles. He also won a German Cup, a German Super Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and a Club World Cup with Bayern. In 2020, he joined Barcelona as the only European club to win all six competitions they entered during a single calendar year.
Barcelona achieved this feat in 2009, when its squad included Xavi, Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta and Thierry Henry, among other football legends.
“My hunger for titles is very great,” said Flick. “I would like to continue on this path with Barcelona. I believe we can achieve a lot together.”
Barcelona are scheduled to face Manchester City of the English Premier League in a friendly on June 30 at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. They also have matches scheduled against La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Spanish Serie A opponents Inter Milan as part of a summer tour of the United States. .
“Barcelona is one of the best academies in the world,” said Flick. “They have a mix of experienced players and also talented youngsters. We have to improve them. It’s our job to work together.”
