“Not better than Ten Hag”; “Europe should be scared” - Barcelona fans divided as Hansi Flick is officially announced as manager
Fans have shared their opinion as Barcelona announce Hansi Flick as their new head coach after the German manager signed a two-year contract valid up to June 30, 2026, with the Catalan side. Flick comes in as a replacement for former Blaugrana manager and midfielder Xavi, who was unexpectedly sacked last week.
Hansi Flick was in charge of the Bundesliga club Bayern Munich from 2019 to 2021, following which he was the head coach for the German national team till 2023.
Fans took to social media to express their views on the newly appointed Barcelona manager. While some fans shared their confidence and excitement about Flick, some were critical of the Catalan side's decision.
Here is a collection of their posts on X (formerly Twitter):
One fan wrote:
"WE’RE WINNING THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!!!"
Another added:
"I can’t wait for next season"
"BRING US BAYERN 💙❤️," chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"i’m not moved, same hype with xavi let’s see what he does"
Another wrote:
"I speak for every Barcelona fan when I say choosing Flick over Xavi is a big mistake."
"8-2 say this but he is not welcomed here," said another.
One user wrote:
"I'm hyped up already 🔵🔴 Vamos!!!"
While another wrote:
"I give him 5 months"
Hansi Flick has lifted several trophies with Bayern Munich both as a player and a manager. During his tenure as a midfielder from 1985 to 1990, Flick won four Bundesliga titles, the 1985–86 DFB-Pokal and the 1987 DFB-Supercup.
As a manager, Flick led the Bavarians to two Bundesliga titles, the 2019–20 DFB-Pokal, the 2020 DFL-Supercup, the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League, the 2020 UEFA Super Cup, and the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup.
Xavi's message for Barcelona's new manager
Xavi initially decided to step down from the role of Barcelona manager at the end of the 2023-24 football campaign. The Catalan legend eventually changed his mind in April after being convinced by the club authorities. However, just a month after changing his decision, Xavi was sacked by the La Liga giants.
During his final press conference as the Blaugrana manager, Xavi shared a message for the new boss. Speaking after his squad's 2-1 win against Sevilla on Sunday, May 26, Xavi said (via Goal):
"To the new manager, I tell you: You will suffer. This is a difficult job and you have to be patient."
Xavi also mentioned that in his opinion his work was not given due credit by the club:
"I think that our work has not been appreciated enough. I took over when the team was in ninth place, finished the season in second place, and won the league the next season."
Xavi, who took charge as manager in 2021, led Barcelona to the 2022–23 La Liga and the 2022–23 Supercopa de España triumphs.