Barcelona job would appeal to treble-winning manager, already learning Spanish

With Xavi announcing his decision to step down from the Barcelona managerial post in the summer, the hunt for a replacement is already underway.

The Catalans have been heavily linked with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, but the German tactician is inclined towards taking a sabbatical at the end of the season.

With Barça president Joan Laporta understood to be favouring a move for a German manager, former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick has emerged as a serious candidate, along with Klopp.

In fact, recent reports had even suggested that Barcelona director Deco had even initiated contact with the ex-Germany national team boss to take over from Xavi, although those rumours were dismissed.

Flick open to replacing Xavi at Barcelona

Now, Christian Falk of BILD has come forth with an update on the situation, claiming that the Barcelona job would very much appeal to Hansi Flick.

So much so that the former Bayern Munich and Germany manager is already taking Spanish classes to prepare himself for the job in the summer.

Flick has been unattached since being sacked from the German national team in September last year and is understood to be looking for a new challenge.

And seemingly, the imminent vacancy at Barcelona appears to be attracting the 58-year-old.

While his stint with Die Mannschaft might not have gone according to plans, Flick enjoyed a terrific stint with Bayern Munich.

In his first season at the club, the German tactician led them to the treble triumph of Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League. Months later, he guided the Bavarians to the DFB Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup titles.

With Flick seemingly eager to replace Xavi, it will be interesting to see if Barcelona go down that route or keep pushing for Klopp or a different candidate altogether, with Sergio Conceicao of Porto understood to be among the frontrunners.