By Sean Walsh
Barcelona have confirmed the appointment of Hansi Flick as their new head coach, just days after deciding to part ways with club legend Xavi.
Having announced in January his decision to stand down at the end of the season, Xavi reneged on this arrangement following an upturn in form in the latter stages of the campaign. However, in a shock move, Barca decided to sack him regardless.
During the initial period through the spring where it looked like Xavi would leave of his own accord, Barcelona were heavily linked with a move for Flick, and they have now announced his arrival at the club.
Flick has been out of work since September 2023, when he was sacked by Germany following a dismal run of form heading into Euro 2024 on home soil. They were also eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with Flick winning only 12 of his 25 matches at the helm.
However, Flick enjoyed a hugely successful spell in charge of Bayern Munich prior to taking charge of the German national team. From November 2019 to June 2021, Flick won two Bundesliga titles, one Champions League and four other trophies in the Allianz Arena dugout.
Flick's Bayern sides were renowned for their 'Flicka-Flacka' style - a play on Barcelona's famed 'tiki-taka' philosophy - and they famously beat Barca 8-2 on their way to Champions League glory in 2020.
Though Flick's arrival at Barcelona has been met with optimism by the Catalan press, Xavi left his successor with a warning.
"They should know that they've got a difficult situation, because Barca is a difficult club and there's an adverse financial situation too – it won’t be easy at all," Xavi said to DAZN.
"He will suffer. This is a very complicated place to be."
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Barcelona appoint new manager after sacking Xavi.
