An insight into the remarkable developments which played out behind the scenes at La Liga giants Barcelona late last month has today come to the fore.
The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, and reveals that, for a matter of hours, Hansi Flick thought that he had secured the Barcelona manager’s job.
German tactician Flick is of course currently locked in negotiations with the Blaugrana, over the prospect of taking over from Xavi in the summer.
Almost a month ago to the day, however, the 59-year-old was of the opinion that the post was his.
After the Camp Nou brass emerged from a meeting having collectively decided to part with Xavi, Flick was lined up as his successor.
So sure was the former Bayern Munich boss of his impending arrival, that he informed an unnamed member of Barca’s squad – with whom he shares a close bond – that he would soon be named his new manager.
Joan Laporta’s subsequent meeting with Xavi, since dubbed ‘the sushi dinner’, however, turned the entire situation on its head.
An emotional exchange between the pair saw Barcelona’s president give his backing to Xavi to see out the remaining year of his contract.
Hansi Flick, in turn, was informed of Laporta’s call by the same Blaugrana star whom he had previously confided in, leaving both the German, and agent Pini Zahavi, ‘angry’ with Barcelona.
Tensions, though, have evidently since been resolved, with Flick looking all set to make his way to Catalunya’s capital over the weeks ahead.
Conor Laird | GSFN
