Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller sends cryptic message to Barcelona boss Hansi Flick ahead of their UEFA Champions League reunion
Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller sent a cryptic message to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick ahead of the clash between the two sides in the UEFA Champions League (UCL). In the caption of a recent social media post, the German forward wrote a hashtag alluding to the reunion with his former boss.
Muller enjoyed one of the most productive phases of his career under Flick, who managed Bayern between 2019 and 2021. The 35-year-old made 81 appearances under the tactician, bagging 27 goals and 45 assists.
The pair lifted a whopping seven trophies in their two-year spell together, including two Bundesliga titles, a UCL title, a FIFA Club World Cup title and multiple domestic and international supercups.
Flick also masterminded a stunning 8-2 victory for Bayern over Barca in the 2020 UCL quarter-finals, in which Muller bagged two goals and an assist. However, he will now be in the other dugout, facing off against his former side.
After his departure from Bayern in 2021, Flick managed the Germany national team until his sacking in 2023. When Barcelona surprisingly sacked Xavi before the 2024-25 campaign, the club decided to hire the German tactician as their new head coach.
Ahead of the UCL fixture between the Spanish and German giants, Muller made a post on Instagram with the caption:
"For all of you who are waiting for it... Off to Barcelona."
Much more interesting than the caption was the hashtag below it, which read:
#Hansiwirkommen, which translates as "Hansi, we are coming."
Barcelona are set to take on Bayern Munich in a gargantuan UCL clash on October 23.
"It will be interesting" - Barcelona target and Bayern Munich star comments on reunion with Hansi Flick
Bayern Munich enforcer and reported Barcelona transfer target Joshua Kimmich commented on the reunion with former manager Hansi Flick ahead of the two sides' matchup in the UEFA Champions League.
Barca have been rumoured with a move for Kimmich over the past few months, with the midfielder also reportedly showcasing interest in moving to the Camp Nou. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, the 29-year-old will certainly be on the Catalans' radar when he faces off against them on their home ground.
Kimmich, who enjoyed a fruitful two-year spell under Flick with 12 goals and 26 assists in 74 games, elaborated his feelings about the re-match in an interview with SPORT. He said (via Barca Universal):
"It's surely strange to play against him. It's a special moment, it's always special to play against Barca. In recent years, we've played against them quite a few times. It will be interesting to reunite with Hansi, and we're excited about it."
"As I just said, playing against Barca is always something very special. I've been linked with Barca several times, but it's not more special because of that. It's special because it's a very important club, with a very rich and successful tradition, and with a very good team," Kimmich added.
Kimmich will likely be named in new manager Vincent Kompany's starting lineup to take on Barcelona in a high-stakes UCL fixture on October 23.