Barcelona wanted former manager to replace Xavi before moving for Hansi Flick

The way Barcelona have handled the situation surrounding Xavi Hernandez has been far from ideal. Having convinced him to track back on his decision to leave, the Blaugrana proceeded to sack him only a month later.

Now, Hansi Flick is all set to take over as the new manager, with the contract signing and announcement expected to be made this week.

However, as per a report from SPORT, the 59-year-old German tactician was not the first choice for Barcelona to replace Xavi.

Barcelona wanted Luis Enrique

Indeed, while Hansi Flick was on the list of candidates to take over from Xavi, Barcelona did not see him as a priority initially.

Instead, the Blaugrana had their hearts set on bringing back former manager Luis Enrique from PSG.

Barça had been looking at Enrique as a possible option when Xavi had initially announced his departure in January and had not made the U-turn.

However, given that the former Barça and Spain manager had a contract at PSG until 2025 and did not intend to break that, any chances of a move quickly disappeared.

Once that happened, the option of Flick grew in stature, owing to the fact that he was unattached and would come for free.

Furthermore, the German tactician hired Pini Zahavi as his agent, which gave a further boost, owing to the good relationship between the latter and Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

As such, Flick is now all set to sign a two-year contract until 2026 at Barcelona with the German also set to bring in two assistants of his choice.