Hansi Flick’s words on Gavi and Pedri resurface

It only appears to be a matter of time before Barcelona confirm the appointment of Hansi Flick as the new first-team manager. The official announcement of Xavi’s sacking yesterday, after all, almost confirmed the news.

Despite initially being seen as an option with experience only in one league, Flick’s profile has been closely scrutinised in recent days, and a meeting with the manager on Wednesday laid the foundation for an agreement.

Impressed by Barcelona stars

Barcelona fans will best remember Flick and the manager who outclassed and humiliated the team by an 8-2 margin with his Bayern Munich side in 2020.

In light of his anticipated appointment, some of Flick’s quotes about Barcelona players a few years ago have resurfaced, and his words make it clear how highly he regards some of the team’s talents.

“The quality that Gavi and Pedri have at these ages is fantastic. They’ve both developed very well at Barcelona in the last two years,” he said in 2022 about the team’s two young gems as revealed by Martin Minan.

Gavi and Pedri will have key roles under Flick. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

If everything goes to plan, Flick will work closely and personally oversee the growth of both players next season. With the likes of Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi also in the mix, he will have no dearth of young talent.

Presentation next week

As revealed in a recent report, Barcelona plan to present Flick as the team’s new manager on Thursday or Friday next week.

The intention of scheduling the presentation on that date is clear, to present a rosy project to fans across the globe and deflect attention from the scheduled UCL final where Real Madrid will participate.

As it stands, all eyes will be on Xavi this weekend as he officially bids goodbye to the club as the manager. The announcement of Flick’s appointment can arrive anytime after the last league game.