While it had been heavily reported that Barcelona President Joan Laporta was planning on sacking Xavi Hernandez at the end of the season, the clearest sign yet that his spell is ending occurred yesterday, as Sporting Director Deco and assistant Bojan Krkic met with candidate Hansi Flick.
There has been some debate over whether it was a presential meeting with Flick in London or a video call, but both Sport and MD claim that talks went well with the German, and Deco felt on the same page as him.
🚨 Flick will for 95% be Barça's next manager. @OnzeTv3
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 22, 2024
Flick has already communicated his squad plans and demands ahead of the summer transfer market, and it appears he is now the best-placed for the job, ahead of Barca Atletic manager Rafael Marquez. He also has agent Pini Zahavi vouching him, who holds sway with Laporta.
Prior to the meeting, Flick was reportedly the preference of Laporta, although it was noted that he was the more expensive option between him and Marquez, and Xavi’s contract situation is yet to be resolved. It would be Flick’s first job outside of Germany, with the exception of two years as an assistant in Austria with RB Salzburg.
