Sextuple-winning manager prefers Barcelona move over Bayern Munich – Romano

Barcelona are looking for a new manager to replace Xavi Hernandez, who announced last month that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

A number of candidates have been identified by the Blaugrana, but two names stand out as the strongest contenders as per reports – Hansi Flick and Roberto De Zerbi.

A move for De Zerbi is complicated by the fact that his contract at Brighton & Hove Albion runs until 2026 and is equipped with a €10 million buyout clause.

But there are no such issues with Flick as he is unattached after being let go of by the German national team in September last year. However, the interest of his former employers, Bayern Munich, posed a threat to the Catalans’ pursuit of the 58-year-old.

Flick prefers Barcelona over Bayern Munich

However, as per the latest update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via Caught Offside, Hansi Flick would prefer a move to Barcelona in the summer than a return to Bayern Munich.

The sextuple-winning manager has been touted as a possible replacement for Thomas Tuchel at Bayern, with things not going all too well for the latter in recent weeks.

However, Romano clarifies that there has been no contact between the Bavarian giants and Flick at this point and that the German tactician prefers a new adventure at Barcelona.

“We’re continuing to hear a lot of stories about managers being on the move, with Hansi Flick one of the big names being linked with both Bayern Munich and Barcelona at the moment, but what’s the reality of the situation?” Romano said.

“My understanding is that no contact has taken place with Bayern so far. The feeling is also that Flick would like to coach Barca and try an experience abroad for sure.

“But Barca will take some time before deciding on their new manager as I mentioned in the recent weeks. Flick can only wait on this one, but for sure he’d love to become the new Barcelona manager.”

As Romano specifies, Barcelona will not rush into a decision and take their time to make their selection. But it appears that Flick would be willing to wait as he would ‘love’ to take over the reins at the Catalan club.