Hansi Flick has expressed his desire to extend his contract with Barcelona and to finish his career at the club, aiming to lead them to Champions League victory for the first time since 2015.
Although Flick’s current contract runs until 2027, Barça president Joan Laporta has already indicated that the German manager will be offered a new deal.
This decision remains unchanged despite last week’s European exit to Atlético Madrid, as Barça is still on course to secure back-to-back LaLiga championships under the leadership of the 61-year-old coach.
“This is indeed my plan [to renew],” Flick stated in a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s LaLiga match against Celta Vigo at Spotify Camp Nou.
“I have also said this before, and I mean it sincerely: this is the final step in my career. I feel great at the moment.”
Flick took over a Barça team that had not claimed any trophies in the 2023-24 season, leading them to lift the LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa in his first season at the helm.
This year, he added another Supercopa to his tally, and the team is currently nine points ahead of Real Madrid with only seven games remaining, positioning them well for another league title.
However, their European aspirations have faced obstacles, as they bowed out of the Champions League, losing in the semifinals to Inter Milan last season and in the quarterfinals last week to Atlético. “Winning the Champions League here is a big dream for me,” Flick, who lifted the trophy while coaching Bayern Munich in 2020, remarked.
“There are two things I aim for in life: Firstly, winning the Champions League. We have a solid team for the coming years, but it’s crucial to make perfect decisions during the transfer periods.
“Secondly, I want to be the coach at this stadium [Camp Nou] when renovations are completed. When that happens is uncertain. My presence here depends on performance and victories.”
While reflecting on the loss to Atlético, Flick suggested that a lack of leadership may have impacted Barça during crucial moments.
“It was very painful to exit at that stage,” he admitted. “In these matches, success can hinge on small details and the right moments.”
“Last season, we had Iñigo [Martínez], who was a tremendous leader. We need to learn from that experience and bring in players with leadership qualities for crucial moments.”
“Leadership involves clear communication, knowing when to direct teammates or indicate positioning. We need more vocal presence on the pitch.
“While I’m satisfied with training, we must carry that performance into the heat of a quarterfinal or semifinal in the Champions League. We need players who are composed and know how to lead us during critical moments on the field.
“This is essential. Nevertheless, the team is young, and we will evolve and improve. It’s our responsibility to teach these skills to some players, and we will do so.”