Almost two months have passed since Hansi Flick was appointed as Barcelona manager, replacing the dismissed Xavi Hernandez. He had never spoken publicly since he was instilled, until now.
Flick gave his first interview to Barca One, Barcelona's official media channel, on Saturday (via MD). He spoke on a variety of topics, including his first few weeks on the job. He also discussed the effect Barcelona had on his managerial and tactical style.
“I felt it from the first day, the passion that the people have here, the fans, the president… everyone who works for Barcelona has this passion, the devotion to give their best for this club, and that's also great for us, because we want to be part of this club and we also want to live with this passion, this devotion, because we want to give everything we have to take this club to the next level. I don't know if not, but we will our best.
“When I decided to be a coach, I looked at Barcelona because they play fantastic football. You can see how the players are developing, everyone is talking about it and also the passion you feel here is incredible, and that's why we are happy to be here From the first day I could feel it, everyone shows respect, it's incredible what we experience.”
Flick also touched on the first week or so of preseason training. He admitted to being very pleasantly surprised by the level shown by the younger players who were included in the first team.
“Thanks to La Masia. What I see in the first training sessions, it's incredible. Normally, when the international players are still on vacation and bring a lot of youth players, the quality drops a little. Here, it's not just the case “.
Hansi Flick: “Thanks to La Masia. What I see in the first training sessions is incredible.” @BarcaOneFCB pic.twitter.com/nGiAujeIS8
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 20, 2024
Flick is expected to continue Xavi's legacy of promoting youth players into the first team. Last season, the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez and Hector Fort all made the step up – it remains to be seen who did so. Barcelona during the 2024-25 campaign.
