Flick To Barcelona Still On! Former Bayern Boss Agrees To Replace Xavi

Hansi Flick has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Barcelona to replace Xavi at the end of the campaign.

According to Sky Sports, Barcelona are gearing up for a managerial change this summer after reaching a verbal agreement with Flick, following Deco’s meeting in London with the German tactician. The former Bayern boss has already presented a blueprint to revive Barcelona which has reportedly impressed the club’s hierarchy including club president Joan Laporta.

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For several months, Xavi’s future at Barcelona has been unclear. He had declared earlier in the year that he would retire at the end of the season, but he later changed his mind following a conversation with Laporta. But Laporta was apparently displeased with Xavi’s recent remarks casting doubt on the team’s capacity to fight with Real Madrid because of financial limitations, and the club president is now believed to be keen to let him go.

Flick boasts an impressive coaching resume, having led Bayern Munich to a historic sextuple in 2020, including Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League titles. Since parting ways with the German national team in September 2023, Flick has been without a club, making him a viable candidate for Barcelona’s top job.

In addition to Flick, Barcelona are also considering internal options for the head coach position. Rafael Marquez, a former Barcelona player and current coach of the club’s reserve team, has been mentioned as a potential candidate. Marquez’s familiarity with the club’s culture and youth development system could make him a strategic and low-cost choice.

On Sunday, Barcelona will play Sevilla in their final league match of the season. Formal decisions over Xavi’s future are expected to be made after the game.