Massive changes are taking place at FC Barcelona, and they are going to bring about additional shifts. For the first time in a long time, it feels like the Catalan giants are making a risky move with their managerial appointment. With Xavi Hernandez now confirmed to depart, Barcelona are all set for a new German adventure.
In his place, former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick is expected to take over the club starting this summer. The 59-year-old German coach is a bit of a gamble for FC Barcelona, who rarely have gone down such a route often before.
However, to establish a better connection between the coach and the squad, Barça is willing to bring in some extra help. In this regard, as highlighted by Spanish outlet Diario AS, FC Barcelona have shortlisted three candidates to act as intermediaries between the German coach and the Barcelona squad.
However, the priority among them is a current Liverpool veteran, whose former experience in both Germany and Spain, particularly in La Masia, has made him the ideal candidate to become Flick’s new assistant.
Before finalizing the three names on the list, the club had to address a few prerequisites to ensure they brought in the right people if they decided to proceed with the operation.
All the players being considered should be fluent in both Spanish and German to facilitate better communication between Flick and the Barcelona squad. Additionally, they should be nearing the end of their careers. It was also advantageous to consider players who have played in both Spain, specifically for Barcelona, and in Germany.
The priority name seems to be that of 33-year-old Thiago Alcantara. Currently playing for Liverpool in the English Premier League, Thiago is a player of great expertise and experience.
Having played for several years at Bayern Munich and previously at FC Barcelona, he is seen as the ideal candidate and has already been approached by Barcelona. However, the contacts with his entourage have not been very promising so far.
The first of the other two names on the list is that of Javi Martinez. Aged 35, he is currently playing in Qatar and has played for almost a decade in Germany with Bayern Munich.
However, his lack of experience at Barcelona is still a stain on his CV when the club is considering the candidates. Apart from that, he fits the bill of the kind of player that Barcelona would look to acquire to act as an assistant for Hansi Flick.
Lastly, the name of Marc Bartra comes into the picture. Formerly a Barcelona player with experience in Germany playing for Borussia Dortmund, his qualities also remain applicable to the kind of player Barça want.
However, in his case, the amount of experience in Germany is significantly less compared to the other two names on the list, which could be a major hindrance.
