Barcelona appoints Hansi Flick as new head coach on two-year contract

Barcelona has appointed former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick as their new head coach on a two-year contract. Flick, who was dismissed by Germany in September 2023, takes over from Xavi, who was sacked last week.

Flick's appointment comes after a successful tenure at Bayern Munich, where he led the team to a treble in 2020, winning the Bundesliga, German Cup, and Champions League.

His history with Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski, who played under him at Bayern for two seasons, adds a familiar dynamic to his new role.

The decision to bring Flick on board follows a disappointing season for Barcelona under Xavi, who, despite guiding the team to La Liga and Spanish Super Cup victories in his first full season, saw the club finish 10 points behind La Liga champions Real Madrid this season.

Xavi, sacked a month after the club had confirmed his continuation, warned that his successor would "suffer" in the challenging role.

In a statement on Wednesday, Barcelona praised Flick, highlighting his teams' high pressing, intense, and daring style of play, which has brought him considerable success at both club and international levels.

The club expressed confidence that Flick's approach, which has earned him accolades across the football world, would bring renewed success to Barcelona.