Hansi Flick has been appointed the brand new Barcelona head coach.
The previous Bayern Munich and Germany boss has signed a two-year deal on the Nou Camp.
Flick replaces Xavi, who was sacked a month after Barcelona had persuaded him to remain on as supervisor, after he initially deliberate to go away on the finish of this marketing campaign. The 44-year-old took the Catalans to the Champions League quarter-finals the place they misplaced to Paris Saint-Germain.
“FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick have reached an settlement for the German to change into males’s first-team soccer coach till 30 June 2026,” a membership assertion learn.
Flick was dismissed by Germany in September following a 4-1 pleasant defeat to Japan on the again of a group-stage exit on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He served as assistant coach to Joachim Low when his nation gained the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, earlier than clinching back-to-back Bundesliga titles and the 2020 Champions League throughout a two-season stick with Bayern.
Talking in a video posted by Barca on X, Flick stated: “To start with I want to say thanks to everybody (concerned). It is a large honour and in addition a dream for me to signal my contract right here in Barcelona, to work for this superb membership, and I am joyful to begin.
“The membership is unbelievable. The hours I am right here in Barcelona, it is superb as a result of everybody right here within the membership loves this membership and tries to present their finest in order that they have success.
“The philosophy they’ve is just like mine – ball possession and actually attacking soccer, these are the issues I like.
“I gained some titles with Bayern Munich and my starvation is basically large for titles. I want to keep on this path with Barcelona and I believe we will obtain so much collectively.”
The 59-year-old succeeds a predecessor who was appointed in November 2021 to handle the membership the place he gained 25 main trophies as a participant.
Xavi steered the group from ninth place in LaLiga to the runners-up spot following the sacking of Ronald Koeman.
Barca have been topped champions in his first full season in cost, however they subsequently didn’t mount a severe problem this time spherical, surrendering their title to rivals Actual Madrid.
Xavi: Subsequent Barca boss will ‘endure’
Earlier this week, Xavi warned his successor to be ready to “endure” within the job.
“To the brand new supervisor, I inform you: You’ll endure. It is a very difficult place to be,” Xavi stated after his last match in cost, a 2-1 win over Sevilla.
“It is a tough job and it’s important to be affected person.”
Xavi doesn’t have one other job lined up and is ready to attend for the best supply.
He stated: “Nothing is closed. I am an expert, let’s examine what occurs sooner or later. In fact I am open (to a brand new job), however I believe 100 per cent I have to relaxation a bit bit.
“It is so tough to teach Barcelona. It has been powerful final week, however I’ve my conscience very clear. I am proud and joyful.
“Once we obtained right here we knew it was a tough time for the membership and I believe we might be pleased with the work we’ve finished.”
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