Barcelona is favoring the appointment of a German manager.
Without rushing, but steadily, FC Barcelona is working to find the ideal replacement for Xavi ahead of next July, when the current coach will step down voluntarily, a year before his contract expires. Nearly three weeks after Xavi’s announcement, the sports management has had time to explore the market based on the premise set by President Joan Laporta. “A coach with a certain trajectory will come unless we want to make a more imaginative decision,” he stated a few weeks ago on ‘ RAC1’. According to Fernando Polo of Mundo Deportivo, today, there are movements coming from Germany in the form of offers.
Hansi Flick, former German national team coach and winner of the treble with Bayern, is one of the options. Alongside his track record and achievements, another significant detail has emerged. Just as his name has been associated with Barça, Flick has changed his agent to be represented by Pini Zahavi, who also represents Lewandowski and is close to President Laporta.
Nevertheless, despite offering himself and being aware of Barça’s interest in securing his services, Flick still wants to wait a bit before committing. The German, who has been learning Spanish for some time, wants to carefully consider the proposals that come his way, including that of Barça. Additionally, Bayern, unhappy with Tuchel, is also pushing hard for Flick to return to the team with which he won the treble in 2020.
Precisely, Tuchel is another option considered by Barça as Xavi’s replacement. The German coach also has a very good relationship with Pini and has offered himself to the Blaugrana club, aware that his position at Bayern is in jeopardy despite having a year left on his contract. At Barça, they highly value the German connection, especially President Laporta. Flick’s advantage is that he is a free coach, with prestige and a track record.
Furthermore, at Barça, they know he is very interested in the Culés project, although Bayern’s appearance may make him hesitate. The club is also aware of Tuchel’s offer, knowing that Laporta has liked him for some time and considered him when he wanted to dismiss Ronald Koeman in June 2021.
Aside from Tuchel and Flick, two other names from the German track are Julian Nagelsmann, who has a contract with Germany until the Euros, and Jürgen Klopp, who will leave Liverpool and has said he will take a sabbatical year. In any case, Barça still needs to fully assess everything before deciding on Xavi’s replacement.
