August 14, 2020, etches itself into the annals of Catalan football history. On that fateful evening, Bayern Munich dealt a crushing blow to Barcelona with an 8-2 victory in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, leaving FC Barcelona in turmoil.
Fast forward four years, and the architect of that memorable triumph, Hansi Flick, pens a deal with the Spanish giants, binding him until 2026. Speaking directly to the Barcelona faithful in Catalan via the club’s social media platforms, the 59-year-old implores for their backing. "Culers, this is our moment. Forza Barca," echoes the sentiments of the former German national coach, who steps into the shoes of the revered Barca figure, Xavi.
In 2020, Flick scaled the zenith of his managerial career, clinching six trophies with Bayern, a feat previously matched only by Pep Guardiola during his tenure with Barcelona in 2009. Despite his relatively brief 18-month stint at Bayern, Flick's reign was nothing short of triumphant, boasting seven titles, including the coveted Champions League and two domestic championships, as reported by Xinhua.
Flick's coaching accolades also include a pivotal role as assistant coach in Germany's victorious 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign under Joachim Loew, where his influence on the team's success was profound. However, his tenure as Germany's head coach from 2021 to 2023 was fraught with challenges, culminating in a premature exit during the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, ultimately leading to his dismissal – an unprecedented event in the national team's history.
Renowned for his ability to connect with players, Flick earned a reputation as a master motivator, fostering a cohesive team spirit even amidst internal club discord. In 2020, he was bestowed with the title of Europe’s Coach of the Year.
Flick now joins the ranks of illustrious Germans who have helmed Barcelona, following in the footsteps of Hennes Weisweiler (1975/76) and Udo Lattek (1981-1983). Despite his lack of proficiency in Spanish, Flick, a four-time German champion as a player, will lean on the assistance of a translator.
Upon his arrival at Barcelona, Flick will reunite with familiar faces such as goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, German national team skipper Ilkay Gundogan, and former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski.
Optimism permeates Flick's outlook as he states, "The club’s philosophy aligns seamlessly with mine. We are proponents of pressing and attacking football. I achieved success with Bayern, and I intend to replicate that with Barca."
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