Barcelona appoints Hansi Flick as head coach on a deal until June 2026

FC Barcelona have announced the appointment of Hansi Flick as their new head coach, succeeding Xavi Hernandez. Flick, who has a proven track record of success with Bayern Munich and briefly with the German national team, has signed a contract that will keep him at the helm of Barcelona until June 2026.

“FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick have reached an agreement for the German to become men’s first team football coach until 30 June 2026,” the club said in a statement. “The new coach has signed a contract at the Club’s offices accompanied by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta.”

Hansi Flick is renowned for his managerial achievements, particularly during his tenure at Bayern Munich, where he led the team to a historic sextuple of trophies in 2020. This remarkable feat included winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League, DFL-Supercup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Despite his success at Bayern, Flick’s stint with the German national team ended prematurely in September 2023 after a series of disappointing results.

Barcelona highlighted Flick’s coaching style, which is characterized by high pressing, intensity, and an adventurous approach to gameplay. The club believes that these qualities will align well with Barcelona’s traditional playing philosophy and bring success to the team

Xavi Hernandez, a club legend and former midfield maestro, had been managing Barcelona until he was sacked last week. Although Xavi and the club initially decided in April that he would continue for another season, Barcelona president Joan Laporta ultimately changed his mind. Xavi’s tenure saw Barcelona finish as runners-up to Real Madrid in La Liga and experience a quarter-final exit in the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

Xavi, in his parting words, acknowledged the challenges that his successor would face: “It won’t be easy at all — they will suffer and they will need patience because it’s a really difficult job. The only thing that can save them is winning, whether they have been part of the club or not.”

Laporta’s decision to bring in Flick comes amid ongoing economic difficulties for Barcelona, which Xavi had alluded to in his comments earlier in May. These financial constraints have made it challenging for Barcelona to compete with Real Madrid and Europe’s other elite clubs.