- Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Champions League last 16 second leg tie against Newcastle, manager Hansi Flick revealed that he wants FC Barcelona to be his last club.
- He was tight-lipped on a widely-reported contract renewal until 2028, however.
- At least revealing something, though, Flick shed light on the contents of a letter given to him by President Joan Laporta upon taking over from Xavi Hernandez in 2024.
FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was tight-lipped about his future ahead of Newcastle United
Though he gave little away regarding reports on his acceptance of a contract renewal until 2028, manager Hansi Flick publicly confessed that he wants FC Barcelona to be his “last club” ahead of them taking on Newcastle United in a Champions League last 16 second tie on Wednesday evening.
Furthermore, the German also revealed the contents of a letter that president Joan Laporta gave him in 2024, when he took over the reins from fired club legend Xavi Hernandez.
Flick wants to bow out from club management at FC Barcelona
At a press conference held at the Joan Gamper CT on Tuesday afternoon, Flick spoke after Pau Cubarsi and started by showing his delight with life in Can Barça amid revealed long-term plans for the future.
“It’s clear that I like working here. The most important thing is what I feel right now, that I am independent, that I have a fantastic family, the support of the whole city… But this is football and anything can happen. We’ll see, There’s a lot of time ahead of me, I’m not thinking about going anywhere else and I want this to be my last club,” Flick stated.
Barely 10 hours after the announcement of Joan Laporta securing re-election through a landslide voting victory, SPORT reported that Flick has agreed to extend his contract – which expires on June 30, 2027 in its current state – by another 12 months.
Flick didn’t want to discuss this in detail, and instead tried to shift the focus towards a midweek tie where Barça and Newcastle are currently locked in 1-1 stalemate with everything to play for as per reaching the quarterfinals.
“It’s not the right time because now we have a very important game. Everyone knows that I’m very happy here, but first I have to talk about it with my family. As I say, now is not the time,” Flick stressed.
Flick indicated that FC Barcelona are well-prepared for Newcastle
With Sunday’s 5-2 win over Sevilla a boost of confidence, Flick suggested that he and his staff, plus the players, are well-prepared for Eddie Howe’s men.
“We’ve analysed our game, what we can improve on. We have to play with conviction, find the empty spaces, and it is precisely something we have trained today,” Flick stated.
Not likely to do much tinkering, Flick is expected to make no more than two changes compared to the first leg.
This will probably see Eric Garcia come in at full-back and an impressive Dani Olmo – who scored against Sevilla and won a penalty at Newcastle’s expense – continue to be favoured over Fermin Lopez.
Flick shed light on Laporta’s letter
Almost two years since it was sent, Flick revealed the contents of a letter from FC Barcelona President Laporta, which were a secret until now.
“It said a lot of things about Barça. He highlighted [Johan] Cruyff, who is the man who created the new Barça, but also of philosophy and style. It’s not just how you win, it’s how you do it. You have to have team spirit, that’s the most important thing.”
Against Newcastle then, the Blaugrana will attempt to win in style and set up a last eight date against either Atletico Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur with the score set at 5-2 in the Spanish outfit’s favour.
Flick vowed to try and play the “perfect match” hosting a Premier League side, and backed his team to go all the way and lift the big-eared trophy, which it hasn’t done since 2015, in Budapest.
“We know that anything can happen. We’ve got to be positive, optimistic. We’re capable of winning this Champions League. Some players have to return, it’s important that they all play at the highest level for next month and for whatever comes,” he warned.
