German manager ‘focused on finding a club abroad’ amid Barcelona links, says Bundesliga legend

Barcelona have been linked with several managers over the past few months, but the resurgence of Xavi’s team seeded hope that the Spanish tactician would continue beyond this season.

While the result in itself was unfortunate, Barcelona’s defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League appears to be the final nail in his coffin, and the manager’s continuity no longer appears plausible.

If reports from Spanish media are to be believed, Joan Laporta and Co have found their replacement in Barça Atletic manager Rafa Marquez. However, the formerly considered options of Roberto de Zerbi and Hansi Flick cannot be ruled out.

Hinting towards Flick

Speaking to the media in a recent interview via Mundo Deportivo, German legend Lothar Matthäus commented on the situation of Hans Flick and his managerial future, giving the hint that a move to Barcelona could be on the cards.

“It is possible that no one at Bayern will trust Flick to return to coach. I would trust him because I know he is an excellent coach and an excellent person, but he doesn’t feel like training in the Bundesliga again,” he said, building up the base to a massive revelation.

“As far as I know, Hansi Flick will no longer work in the Bundesliga. He is more focused on finding a club abroad,” he added, sparking rumours of the German’s appointment in Catalonia once more.

Lothar Matthaus claims Flick will not coach in Germany. (Photo by HAITHAM AL-SHUKAIRI/AFP via Getty Images)

The inhibiting factor

Hansi Flick is widely considered one of the best available managers to suit Barcelona’s needs, especially from a training and intensity standpoint. Moreover, the German tactician boasts of clarity in approach and will help enable a systematic rebuild.

The one reason why the Catalan administration took Flick’s name off the table, however, was his lack of experience outside Germany and his unfamiliarity with the Barcelona way.

Nevertheless, there will once come a day when the Blaugrana Institute must look beyond its ideology and focus on the modern game. Appointing Flick would go a long way in ensuring the same, especially given the manager’s enthusiasm over the same.

After all, Joan Laporta shares a cordial relationship with the German’s agent, Pini Zahavi, and that could have a role to play in the appointment.