Hansi Flick feels he is at 'incredible club'

We can now officially say, willkommen to new Barça coach Hansi Flick. After already having started work with the squad out on the training pitch, on Thursday Flick was officially presented as a the FC Barcelona boss. Accompanied by the FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta and a large backdrop bearing the slogan 'Welcome', the German was the focus of attention in front of more than 100 journalists from 74 different media outlets at the Auditori 1899. 

The presentation began with FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta praising the figure of the new coach Hansi Flick: "He is the ideal person to be in charge of the football first team due to his love of hard work, discipline and his confidence in the Club's philosophy. He is the right person to take us forward and face up to the most immediate challenges. He will do so with conviction, determination and new found energy." Laporta also thanked former coach Xavi Hernández for his work at Barça. 

La Masia, important for Flick 

Hansi Flick is well aware of where he has landed. "I am really thankful for the work done at La Masia. We have some marvellous young players who want to give everything for the Club. I want to create the ideal atmosphere for these youngsters to develop. They have a lot of quality," said the German in one his first responses to the gathered media's questions. The German was full of gratitude for the kindness and work put in by all those who form part of FC Barcelona: "I feel that this is an incredible club, where there is a lot of passion. I feel that passion every day and I love it." 

From La Masia, talk moved to Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola. "I am not far off the idea of play that Barça have used with success under Cruyff and Guardiola. My idea is to have a team that it always active on the field. It doesn't matter what the formation is, I want to my team to play well and for everyone to see that they are giving everything." 

Days of hard work for all 

Hansi Flick was cautious when it came to talk of trophies but did place a lot of stress on the importance of hard work. "In training we will work really hard. We have to give 100% in those sessions to take it out on to the pitch." That intensity has been seen in the recent training sessions as the squad prepare for the tour of the US. "We will take 30 or 31 players on the tour, we want to see them all. We have a lot of players in each position and we can choose," added the coach. 

"The situation at FC Barcelona is fantastic for the players' development. Everyone has to do their bit to reach our objectives," said Flick. "The whole squad has to work hard. We are working on the physical and tactical side. We have to improve in lots of ways and we are trying to create a team with a solid defence, as that is important to play well in attack." His coaching staff are turning out to be invaluable in these early days as the coach attempts to get his philosophy across to the players. 

The new Barça coach touched on some names during the presentation such as Lamine Yamal: "He showed a great level at the Euro 2024 tournament but great players have to continue to work and make an effort. He will give us some great moments." The injured Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati also received encouragement from the coach as he wants them back as soon as possible due to their quality. 

After urging work, work and more work all over the pitch, Flick posed smiling alongside Joan Laporta, Rafa Yuste and Deco with the new Barça jersey and his new Barça member's card at the end of his presentation as the new blaugrana coach.