Hansi Flick, the manager of FC Barcelona, has suggested that his tenure at the Catalan giants could be the final chapter of his coaching career, though he has not yet decided whether to extend his contract beyond 2027.
Speaking on Tuesday ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League last-16 second-leg clash against Newcastle United, Flick emphasized that while he is enjoying life in Spain, any contract extension will require discussion with his family.
“It’s not the right moment (for that), tomorrow is a very important game for us, for the club, for the future,” Flick told reporters. “Everyone knows I am really happy here. I have to speak with my family first. We have time to speak about that but at the moment, it’s not the right moment.”
Recently reelected Joan Laporta indicated plans to extend the 61-year-old coach’s deal for another year beyond 2027, but Flick has yet to make a decision.
Flick, who previously managed Germany national football team and Bayern Munich, has enjoyed immediate success at Barcelona, leading the team to a domestic treble and the Champions League semi-finals last season while implementing an attacking style praised by fans.
“I have no thoughts about going to another place or (something) like that. No. I’m here, it will be my last club, my last job here, and I’m really happy for that,” Flick added.
On the pitch, Barcelona will look to overturn a 1-1 first-leg draw at Newcastle. Flick described the English side as a physical and aggressive team with fast transitional play, warning that the match will be challenging.
“It will be a tough game tomorrow. They’re a physical team, aggressive man-to-man, in transition they are fast players. We have to play our perfect game tomorrow and this is important we’ll try to do this,” he said.
Defender Pau Cubarsi expressed confidence that the team can improve its performance at home, highlighting the support of the club’s fans.
“The intensity they had at their stadium was spectacular. We played in the league phase there too,” Cubarsi said. “We had a good defensive set-up but lacked fluidity in attack. It will be different. We’re at home with the fans supporting us.”
Barcelona fans will be eagerly awaiting the return leg, hoping Flick’s side can demonstrate the attacking flair that has defined their successful season.
