Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to play Real Madrid’s ‘Ancelotti model’ – report | OneFootball

Even though his entourage might be presently denying it, Hansi Flick appears close to becoming the next manager of FC Barcelona.

With Xavi Hernandez set to be on his way out, the 59-year-old German tactician seems the likeliest candidate to take over as the head coach of the Catalan giants.

With things advancing on the Flick front, SPORT has come forward with a detailed report outlining the tactical methods and preferences of the former Bayern Munich head coach.

Hansi Flick uses the ‘Ancelotti model’ as reference

The arrival of Flick will mean a radical change compared to the way Xavi works. The tactical aspect will not be as important as it has been to date, giving way to a formula more similar to the one used by Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

Concepts such as the midfield square, the superiority of the third man or the conversion of the full-backs into midfielders will be put to one side.

Instead, Flick is in favour of simplifying the concepts and giving more of a role to the players so that they can make their own decisions on the pitch.

The next Barcelona manager? (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The German sets out some basic, but very clear principles. His message is direct so that the players have no doubts about what they should do on the pitch.

Flick also attaches great importance to physical work, an aspect that has not traditionally been a priority at Barcelona. He wants his players to be in top shape so that they press well and stifle their opponents.

Flick’s approach with players

Furthermore, the report also provides an idea of how Hansi Flick goes about with his players. The German is understood to be direct and empathetic with his squad and knows how to apply the carrot and stick theory.

He is demanding when it is convenient, but he is also docile with his players and gives them certain concessions, such as being able to share moments with their families or being flexible with personal situations. Ancelotti has also been characterised by his human touch with his players.

As such, Flick is seen as someone who follows the ‘Ancelotti model’ to an extent while also drawing some inspiration from the philosophies of former Germany manager Joachim Low as well.