📣 Flick promises trophies and outlines philosophy at Barça unveiling | OneFootball

Hansi Flick said Barcelona’s desire to always win trophies is ‘why he’s here’ in his official unveiling as the club’s new head coach.

The former Bayern Munich and Germany coach signed a two-year deal with the LaLiga giants and said: “Before signing my contract I had a dinner with the president and I felt from the first second that I was arriving at an impressive club.”

“The squad have worked very hard from the first day in training. Each player wants to give 100% to show that they can play. The quality of the 16 or 17 year olds from La Masia is incredible.”

Two of the most recent standout products from Barça’s fabled academy are Lamine Yamal and Ansu Fati, two players who find themselves in very different situations.

On his 17-year-old star man, Flick was complimentary but also had words of warning.

“In the last year he has improved a lot. What he did in the Euros was incredible,” he added.

“But great players maintain their performance and now it is necessary for him to keep his feet on the ground. He can give us great moments and he can also improve.”

As for Fati, who spent last season on loan at Brighton, the 59-year-old said: “Ansu in these first days was amazing. He was very fit and he showed it in training. It’s a shame not to have him here or in the United States. We will help him come back stronger.”

When asked about his philosophy in line with Los Cules’ historical style, Flick said: “My idea of ​​the game is not that far from Barça’s way of playing. I want to have the ball, decide the pace of the game. It doesn’t matter if we play 4-3-3…”

The appointment of former player Thiago to his backroom staff should help with adapting to the style, the league and the language.

“It’s good to have people around me who speak Spanish like Thiago. I know him from Bayern. He had to retire and it’s hard for any player. I asked him if he wanted to join and he didn’t hesitate.”

When pushed on the potential signing of Nico Williams, Flick remained coy, saying: “He is not a Barcelona player, that’s why I have nothing to say.”

Club president Joan Laporta was more open to discussions on transfers, as he has tended to be since his second stint in charge began three years ago.

“We can do any operation in the transfer market,” he said. “Deco is working to improve the team we have. We will soon announce the economic news to undertake them.”

Barcelona’s tour of the USA kicks off with a clash with Manchester City on July 31 before matches against arch-rivals Real Madrid and Milan.