Clearly, this FC Barcelona season has been special to say the least. At the end of a 2022-2023 vintage crowned with success with a La Liga and a Copa del Rey, the Catalan club had reason to be optimistic for this new edition under the aegis of a convincing Xavi. But nothing went as planned for the Blaugrana. Quickly dropped in the league, Robert Lewandowski’s teammates had to endure a disappointing elimination in the quarter-finals of the Champions League against PSG. A blank season which placed Xavi on an ejection seat very quickly. The former metronome of the Catalan game therefore understood that he was not going to last long in Barcelona.
Thus, last January, the former star of La Roja announced his departure from the Catalan bench at the end of the season. A decision which was surprising when nothing had yet been decided in an admittedly disappointing season. As the weeks went by, his decision seemed made and an about-face seemed surreal. However, just three weeks ago, a meeting between Xavi and the Catalan board allowed the 44-year-old technician to backpedal and confirm his presence until 2025. Finally, his departure was confirmed two days ago. From then on, the Iberian press quickly put forward the name of a coach: that of Hansi Flick.
João Cancelo and João Félix are not in Hansi Flick’s plans!
From now on, all that would be missing is formalization to see the former Bayern Munich technician, who inflicted a scathing 8-2 on the Catalans during the Final 8 of the Champions League in 2019-2020, arrive at the Sagrada Family. From then on, the 59-year-old coach is preparing to turn around one of the most legendary clubs in history. To do this, Flick intends to rely on reliable men and according to the indiscretions of Sport, the latter would have already targeted two players he would like to exfiltrate. Indeed, the Portuguese Joao Felix and João Cancelo would not be favored by the German.
Passed from holder to replacement in a few months, the situation is complex for the first city. While Atlético de Madrid would like a quick transfer to get rid of them this summer, Barça does not seem able to take action. Worse still, like Xavi, Hansi Flick does not really consider the former Benfica player to be a real added value according to the Iberian media. His future at Camp Nou is also linked to the evolution of the Vitor Roque and Ansu Fati files, which are still uncertain. Cancelo’s case is different. Able to be the best in his position, the defector from City and Bayern Munich is highly regarded in Barcelona. However, Hansi Flick would be very worried about the 29-year-old’s defensive mistakes, which could seriously compromise his future with the Culés. One thing is certain, the arrival of Flick rhymes with danger for the Portuguese FC Barcelona!
