Barcelona cool down interest in two managerial candidates

Barcelona’s search for a new manager is slowly but surely consolidating, as we approach the final part of the campaign.

The club are closely studying each option and are soon expected to come out with a decision. In the meantime, though, Barça appear to have cooled interest in two particular candidates.

No more Flick or De Flick

According to SPORT, Barcelona are seemingly showing a lack of interest in hiring Hansi Flick or Roberto De Zerbi this summer.

This is a crucial development considering the fact that Flick was reportedly the most likely candidate to take the Barcelona job in the coming summer.

Even De Zerbi was highly rated by the Barcelona board, especially when it came to the non-German options. But with the Italian having a release clause in his contract, coupled with Brighton’s efforts to tie him down to a new deal, Barça are seeking other options.

Not to mention, De Zerbi is a coach who likes power and authority to make decisions. Barcelona are not too comfortable with giving such power to a coach, at this point.

Roberto De Zerbi is not an option for Barcelona anymore (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

As for Flick, Barcelona consider him a valuable option. But his lack of coaching experience is a worrying factor for the Catalans.

The importance of knowing Spanish

The report further adds that Barcelona are preferably looking out for a coach who can fluently speak Spanish and won’t endure any linguistic barriers.

That is where Flick falls short, as the former Bayern Munich tactician has not coached outside Germany. Even De Zerbi feels more comfortable with English and Italian, rather than Spanish.

It must be noted, however, that knowing the Spanish language is just a bonus for Barça and not a necessity, meaning the club are still considering non-Spanish speaking coaches such as Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel, among others.