Christien Fiél, head coach of German 2nd division outfit Nürnberg, has this evening provided his response to recent media speculation linking him with a move to Spanish powerhouse Barcelona.
The name of tactician Fiél first began to crop up in media circles surrounding Barcelona last week.
This came upon word coming to the fore that Hansi Flick’s instillation on the bench in Catalunya’s capital with a view to next season could see his fellow countryman join him in La Liga.
As much was pushed by Diario Sport, who pointed towards Fiél as being held in high regard by the ex-Bayern Munich boss.
Not only that, but his ability to speak both German and Spanish was said to have positioned the Nürnberg headmaster at the front of the queue in Flick’s list of assistant manager targets.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his surprise links to Barcelona were put to none other than Fiél himself.
Safe to say, though, the 43-year-old wasted little time in putting them firmly to bed.
Evidently seeing the funny side of the situation, Fiél explained to Bild, as cited by Sport:
“I wasn’t smiling, I was laughing out loud (when I heard the rumours).”
“Today was my last day, I have my bags packed. Then I will send a card from Barcelona. My brother lives in Castelldefels. I’ll probably go to him first. He has a nice little house there.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
