Hansi Flick is a grateful man

BarcelonaHansi Flick had planned to go see Mago Pop's show on Sunday evening, but a technical problem "of force majeure" caused the Valles magician to suspend the performance. Consequently, the Barça coach was left with no other plan than to follow the Espanyol-Madrid game, in which only a white triumph prevented the mathematical achievement of his second League in two seasons on the blaugrana bench. Due to two goals from Vinícius, the celebration will be delayed by at least a week and will remain pending to achieve just one point out of the twelve available. The quickest way – and also the most pleasant – will be to get it this Sunday at the Camp Nou, in a classic that the culers will face with their belts loosened.

With the title in hand and celebrated as it should be in the streets of Barcelona, and before going on vacation to Bammental or Formentera, Flick will renew his contract. He made it clear a few weeks ago and will keep his word to the Barcelona fans and especially to Joan Laporta, his main supporter. Despite having a written agreement until June 30, 2027, the club's president-elect is asking him to extend it for at least one more year, until 2028, and leave a door open until 2029. The coach will agree to most of the requests because he feels strong enough to continue leading a winning project despite the lack of resources. He has asked for signings – a center forward and a center-back, with special emphasis – to compete in the Champions League with more foundations, but he will also be understanding – as when he lost Iñigo Martínez – if there are no major improvements.

Flick knows that the financial situation may force the entity to make compromises even if it recovers the 1:1 rule in financial fair play. In fact, as they explain to this newspaper from the locker room, the German coach is so aware of Barça's economic limitations that he will not only not ask for a substantial increase as a condition for extending his contract, but he has also decided to only charge for what he works. On paper, when he signs the renewal, he will have guaranteed amounts until the final date, which in this case will be June 30, 2028. However, if he decides to end his contract early, he will step aside and waive everything he has yet to receive. In this case, Barça would avoid the traditional - and not always comfortable - negotiation to resolve a contract unilaterally terminated by either party before its expiration.

From his work environment, Flick is highlighted as a grateful man to Barça for all that it has meant in his career. "This renewal is more the club's doing than a real need on his part," says one of the sources consulted, who understands that the coach will agree to sign the extension more "to not offend Laporta" - whom he explicitly voted for in the elections of March 15 - than because he believes he deserves it as a reward for loyalty or titles achieved. As he has already hinted several times, the German feels more comfortable with short contracts than with long commitments. Furthermore, he has already reassured the Barça fans by stating that this will be his last professional adventure. When he surprisingly left Bayern, he had the desire to coach his country's national team. Instead, four years later, at the age of 62, all he wants is to spend more time with his grandchildren.

Changes in sight for the 'staff'

Meanwhile, however, Flick has what it takes to continue accompanying Lamine Yamal and company on a path of success that, in just two seasons, will yield no less than five state titles –two leagues, two Spanish Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey–. At the same time, Madrid has been left with nothing. Nevertheless, the sporting direction knows that if Florentino Pérez gets the new coach right, even just a little, the white team has arguments to be a much tougher rival in La Liga. In fact, the blaugrana sporting direction is not only working to strengthen a squad that has once again fallen short at the most decisive moment of the season, but also to improve its physical preparation and prevent injuries ahead of months that will be particularly sensitive due to the World Cup hangover. Deco and Alejandro Echevarría, the owner of the blaugrana dressing room, are holding meetings these days for this purpose.