Champions League-winning coach ‘would love to’ take over from Xavi at Barcelona – Romano

With Xavi Hernandez confirming his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, the Catalans have already started the search for a new manager to replace him in the summer.

A host of top names have been linked such as Jurgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta, Roberto De Zerbi, and Imanol Alguacil, among others.

But at the moment, the most attainable target for Barcelona appears to be Hansi Flick. The former Bayern Munich manager is on the Catalans’ shortlist of options and is currently unattached, having been sacked by the German national team last September.

Reports earlier this week suggested that Flick appears to be the candidate favoured by Barcelona president Joan Laporta although sporting director Deco is leaning towards FC Porto’s Sergio Conceicao, leading to a disagreement.

Flick would love to coach Barcelona

Amidst this, Fabrizio Romano via his Daily Briefing, has claimed that Hansi Flick would be very much interested in taking the Barcelona job once Xavi leaves.

This comes on the back of reports from Germany which had claimed that the UEFA Champions League winning coach with Bayern Munich is already learning Spanish as preparation for the Barça job.

On the matter of Flick to Barcelona rumours, Romano said in his Daily Briefing: “There have been reports that the former Bayern Munich and Germany manager (Flick) is Joan Laporta’s preferred candidate to replace Xavi.

“I don’t have confirmations on this. It’s very early stages at Barça, they will take some time before deciding their favourite candidates, starting interviews and more.

“Flick would love to work for Barcelona, that’s for sure; but there is nothing more than this so far, no decisions, nothing advanced.”

As Romano mentions, there is still nothing decided and no moves made by Barcelona in their hunt for Xavi’s replacements. What appears clear is that Flick would be open to taking over the reins at the Catalan outfit.