The speculation about FC Barcelona’s interest in Hansi Flick continues and wilder rumors are circulating. According to a media report, the former national coach’s commitment to the Spanish football champions depends on whether DFB captain Ilkay Gündogan leaves the club.
At FC Barcelona, the search for a successor to Xavi in the coaching bench is in full swing. If Barca President Joan Laporta has his way, it should be clear in March who will inherit the club’s idol in the summer.
Three candidates are said to be very popular with Barcelona’s sports director Deco: In addition to Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, who is considered the club’s favorite, the Catalans have apparently also set their sights on Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi and Hansi Flick. Barca boss Joan Laporta is said to be leaning towards the former national coach and successful coach of FC Bayern.
According to a media report, Flick’s possible involvement with Barcelona is linked to a juicy detail: DFB captain Ilkay Gündogan would have to leave the Blaugrana. At least that’s what the Catalan online newspaper “El Nacional” reports.
According to the report, Flick’s trust in Gündogan is said to have been severely damaged. The relationship has therefore “cooled down” and “the trust is no longer the same,” it says.
Report: Flick ties Barca commitment to Gündogan’s departure
After the preliminary round exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the serious injury to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Flick promoted Gündogan to captain. However, the DFB team was no longer able to achieve a sporting turnaround.
After a 2-0 win against Peru at the start of the 2023 test match year, Germany remained winless five times in a row. After weak performances against Belgium (2:3), Ukraine (3:3), Poland (0:1), Colombia (0:2) and the 1:4 defeat against Japan in Wolfsburg, Flick was finally released on September 10th relieved of his duties.
DFB captain Gündogan was self-critical after Flick’s dismissal. “As a player, I have the feeling that I have let Hansi down. He was always focused and full of energy. Unfortunately, as a team, we didn’t manage to convert that,” explained the 33-year-old, who also made a contribution to the team turned to Flick on social networks.
According to “El Nacional”, the ex-national coach should still insist on Gündogan’s departure if he signs in Barcelona. Barca regular goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who represented Neuer between the posts under Flick, should not be a candidate for removal, the report continued.
Gündogan only moved from triple winners Manchester City to Barcelona last summer. The DFB veteran signed a two-year contract with the reigning Spanish champions. With five goals and ten assists in 36 competitive games, the midfield star immediately established himself as a regular player.
2024-02-20 09:11:04
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