Following the international break and ahead of hosting Athletic Bilbao this Saturday, the manager was asked in a press conference whether he would like to coach Messi during his tenure with the Culé team.

“Well, why not? Ultimately, Messi is the best soccer player of the last ten years, if not more. I have always appreciated watching him play soccer. He is a fantastic player. What he has done is incredible,” Flick said, referring purely to a personal desire.

However, the German coach quickly offered a reality check, concluding that this is not a possibility currently on the table. “The facts are that his contract [with Inter Miami] ends in 2028. Mine ends in 2027. So it doesn’t depend on me. It is not a question for me,” he stressed.

Barcelona President rules out a Messi return

Hansi Flick’s statements gain even greater context when considering the declarations made days ago by Barcelona President Joan Laporta, who attempted to manage fan enthusiasm regarding a possible return of the club icon.

“Out of respect for everyone, it is not realistic to talk about Leo Messi’s return as a player,” said the executive, who has faced criticism for failing to retain the Argentine player during his presidential tenure, something that significantly damaged his image among club members.

What Laporta did confirm are the intentions to grant the Argentine a long-overdue homage, which could materialize with a statue in the vicinity of the stadium.

“I am sure that Messi will be tied to Barça again when his professional career ends at Inter Miami. I don’t know what he will do, but he knows that the doors of Barça are open to him. Messi deserves the most beautiful tribute in the world. He should have a statue at Camp Nou, it is only fair,” Laporta acknowledged.

Los Blancos, playing at home, enter as league leaders with a two-point cushion over the Blaugrana. Their injury report is light, listing only defenders Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba as unavailable, though neither is considered an undisputed starter in manager Xabi Alonso’s plans.

More concerning are the absences facing Barcelona. The club will not only be without attacker Raphinha, who is one of Lamine Yamal’s preferred partners, but they must also play without the command of manager Hansi Flick on the touchline.

Flick’s suspension stems from his ejection in Barcelona’s last LaLiga match on Saturday, October 18th—a game that ended in a 2-1 home victory for his side, snapping a two-match losing streak.

The club attempted to appeal referee Gil Manzano’s decision to issue two yellow cards for protesting late in the contest, submitting the appeal three times, but the Sports Administrative Tribunal ultimately rejected the club’s recourse.

Who will lead Barcelona at the Bernabeu?

With Flick barred from the pitch, his chief collaborator, Marcus Sorg, will command the squad this Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Sorg was also the one who addressed the media on Saturday.

The German manager’s assistant acknowledged the difficulty of stepping in during such a crucial game. “We will miss Hansi. He is the most important part of the team, but we all know what we have to do. His absence is a disadvantage, but it’s like when players are missing. We have to give one hundred percent and manage this situation,” Sorg stated during the press conference.

“Lamine won’t be available. It’s a shame. He went to the national team in pain and was given painkillers to play. He played 79 and 73 minutes without training between both matches. That’s not taking care of players. Spain has the best players in every position. Young players should be protected. I’m saddened by this situation,” Flick said.

The coach also noted communication challenges with De La Fuente, citing language barriers: “We’ve barely spoken. I sent a message once. I barely speak Spanish, he doesn’t speak English. Communication could be better. I’ve been in these situations before, and relationships were always better”.

Regarding the injury keeping Yamal out of the Valencia clash, Flick added: “It’s a minor pubis issue. He’ll be doubtful for Newcastle. Reports about his back are not true”.

Without their rising star, Barcelona will host Valencia on Sunday for LaLiga’s fourth matchday. Following a draw against Villarreal, the team will be looking to bounce back and keep pace with archrival Real Madrid, who have won all three of their opening games.

Barcelona to host Valencia in limited-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium

For Sunday’s clash against Valencia, Barcelona will play at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, normally home to the women’s and B teams, with a limited capacity of just 6,000 fans.

The decision comes as Camp Nou remains closed for extensive renovations that have been underway for over two years. Plans to use the Estadio Olimpico de Montjuic, which served as Barcelona’s temporary home last season, were not arranged in time for this fixture.

Flick addressed the unusual circumstances, saying: “I spoke with the players and the captain, and they said it won’t affect them. Playing here is different, but it shouldn’t impact us. We’ve handled situations like this before, against Como”.

According to a report by Marca, UEFA has imposed a fine on Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, each receiving a €5,000 penalty (approximately $5,832) for breaching anti-doping regulations during their recent Champions League match. It is important to note that this penalty does not suggest the presence of banned substances. Instead, the players were fined for failing to promptly report to the doping control station, thus violating Article 21.10(a) of the competition rules.

Not only did UEFA sanction both players, but they also punished Hansi Flick. The FC Barcelona head coach was fined €20,000 (approximately $23,328) and suspended for one game in the next Champions League. This action was due to violations of two specific rules: General Principles of Conduct (Article 11 (1) DR) and Basic Rules of Conduct in Sport (Article 11 (2) (b) DR).

In addition, FC Barcelona incurred two substantial penalties for violating UEFA regulations: the first for throwing objects onto the pitch, and the second for setting off fireworks. Under Article 16(2)(b) and Article 16(2)(c) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, respectively, the Spanish club faces fines amounting to €5,250 (approximately $6,123) for the first offense and €2,916 (approximately $3,401) for the second.

UEFA did not just sanction FC Barcelona, another Spanish team was hit by the Disciplinary Committee

While the sanction against FC Barcelona captured most of the attention, UEFA also imposed penalties on another Spanish club. On July 23, 2025, Athletic Club revealed that they incurred two separate fines: one for throwing objects onto the pitch, violating Article 16(2)(b), and another for igniting fireworks, breaching Article 16(2)(c). Consequently, the club must pay a cumulative total of €50,000 (approximately $58,301) for both infractions.

Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski fined in case similar to Real Madrid star’s 2018 incident

The sanction imposed on FC Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski has taken center stage, leading to widespread criticism from fans who find their behavior strange. However, this is not the first instance of such sanctions in world-class clubs. For example, back in 2018, ESPN reported that Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was late for his anti-doping test.

Ramos not only delayed the test but also showered before providing his urine sample, which is prohibited under Spanish law, as reported by ESPN. The Spanish Agency for Health Protection in Sport (AEPSAD) handled this incident, as it was part of a LaLiga control. Despite these issues, the process resulted in no sanction, as Der Spiegel reported that no flaws were found in the procedure.

Barcelona head coach has never shied away from stating his opinion on the matter. Despite coaching several world-class players throughout his career, Flick has repeatedly named Messi as the greatest to ever play the game.

The German tactician first made his position clear in August 2020, just days before Bayern Munich defeated Barcelona 8–2 in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

At the time, Messi was in contention for the Ballon d’Or—an award that was ultimately not handed out that year—alongside Flick’s own striker Robert Lewandowski. “Messi has been the best in the world in recent years. He is an exceptional player like we’ve never seen before,” Flick said then.

Now leading Barcelona, Flick reiterated his admiration for Messi following praise the Argentine gave the Catalan club. “It’s an honor that the best player in history speaks well of Barca,” he said.

What did Messi say about Flick’s Barcelona?

In November 2024, while Lionel Messi was on international duty with Argentina during the World Cup qualifiers, the Inter Miami captain spoke with TV3 as part of the documentary “El Nou Clam” about Barcelona’s form at the time—and didn’t hesitate to express his admiration for his former club.

“It is a great pride to see how the first team is represented right now. This Barça is spectacular, and it doesn’t surprise me. It’s nothing new; it’s been happening all my life, since I arrived at Barça at 13 years old,” one of the greatest players of all times started.

“It’s amazing that the young players have had the opportunity in the last two years, and when given confidence, they respond in that way because they know the club better than anyone and have been used to playing this way since they were little. If they are supported, these things happen, just like they did in our time,“ he concluded.

Hansi Flick’s journey through European soccer has been marked by more than just trophies and tactics. Behind the touchline success lies a story built on high-profile contracts, strategic decisions and a growing presence off the pitch.

From Bundesliga triumphs to the world stage, he has crafted a career that pays dividends—literally. With each role, his salary and earnings have expanded, turning him into one of the sport’s more quietly affluent figures in soccer.

While his soccer legacy continues to evolve, so does his financial footprint in Barcelona. Deals, annual earnings and bonus structures form a layered portrait of a coach whose influence stretches far beyond the 90 minutes of play.

What is Hansi Flick’s salary?

When it comes to the financials of top managers, Hansi Flick’s earnings at FC Barcelona has sparked considerable interest. His annual salary is between €9 million and €11 million, as Barca Universal and Florian Plettenberg reported.

This figure not only reflects the commitment to investing in managerial talent but also underscores the pressure on Flick to deliver immediate success. Compared to his predecessor, Xavi Hernandez, his contract is a big statement.

It’s worth noting that managerial salaries at clubs like Barcelona often include performance bonuses, image rights, and other incentives, which can significantly increase overall earnings.

Considering his track record with Bayern Munich, where he won multiple titles including the Champions League, this salary aligns with expectations for a coach capable of restoring glory to one of the world’s most storied clubs.

How long will Hansi Flick be the Barcalena coach?

When Hansi Flick signed with FC Barcelona, the soccer world immediately began speculating about the length of his tenure. The German coach arrived with a contract reported to extend until June 2026, a three-year deal.

According to official club announcements and insider reports, Barcelona’s management wanted to avoid the revolving door syndrome that has plagued the club in recent years with this long-term vision for the Catalan giants.

Offering Flick a multi-year contract signals their confidence in his ability to rebuild the squad, nurture young talent, and compete at the highest levels domestically and in Europe. However, the reality of soccer management is unpredictable.

Performance on the pitch, relationships within the club, and the ever-shifting dynamics of politics could impact the duration of his stay. Historically, even long contracts have been cut short when results do not meet expectations.

The Argentine star recently missed out on the MLS Playoffs with the Herons and played in the double-header of World Cup qualifiers with the Argentina national team. He also gave an interview with TV3 as part of the documentary “El Nou Clam” and shared his thoughts on the great present moment of his former team, Barcelona.

“It is a great pride to see how the first team is represented right now. This Barça is spectacular, and it doesn’t surprise me. It’s nothing new; it’s been happening all my life, since I arrived at Barça at 13 years old,” one of the greatest players of all times started.

“It’s amazing that the young players have had the opportunity in the last two years, and when given confidence, they respond in that way because they know the club better than anyone and have been used to playing this way since they were little. If they are supported, these things happen, just like they did in our time,“ he finally concluded.

Although it has been several years since Messi last wore the Blaugrana colors, the Argentine forward is one of the greatest figures of recent times and perhaps also in the club’s history. Many still dream of seeing the star retire with Barcelona’s colors.

Hansi Flick responds to Messi’s comments

The German coach is having an outstanding run at the helm of FC Barcelona, winning 11 of his first 13 matches in La Liga and three out of four in the Champions League, leading as the top scorers in both competitions.

Of course, when Messi speaks, it resonates throughout the sports world, especially when referring to someone, as happened with the former Bayern Munich coach. In statements to the press, Hansi Flick thanked the Argentine star for his words.

“It’s an honour to hear the best player in history say that he likes this Barca. He follows the team closely, he has his heart set on this club, that means a lot to the youngsters and to the team”, Flick stated.

Messi’s future in the MLS

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami was eliminated from the Playoffs by Atlanta United, and with that, the hopes of going far in the league with the Herons were extinguished. With the season over for the Argentine forward, many began to question his future, as his contract expires next year.

Regarding this situation, none other than one of Inter‘s owners, Jorge Mas, expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of Lionel Messi staying with the franchise for a few more years: “Lionel Messi is under contract till 2025. Leo and I will sit down and discuss the future,” Mas said.

“As I’ve said before, and I will repeat it now, I fully expect that in the opening of our new stadium in 2026 in Miami, and the opening of our 2026 season—hopefully after a trophy in the 2025 season—Lionel Messi will be our number 10.”

Currently with the Polish national team preparing for UEFA Nations League matches, Lewandowski is well aware of the strong start to the season at his club. During a press conference, he was asked about the differences between Flick’s Barcelona and the team under Xavi last year.

“It’s different, and you can feel it. We didn’t have a match like this last season,” Lewandowski said. “As Hansi Flick mentioned from the start, he wants to create an offensive team that generates opportunities, scores plenty of goals, and presses well.”

While acknowledging Barcelona’s early success, the Polish striker was quick to temper expectations, reminding everyone that it’s still early days. “We’ve started well, but sometimes we stumble, and sometimes we get it right. The season is long, and a lot can still happen,” Lewandowski noted.

Polish soccer legend announces retirement

Polish goalkeeper and Lewandowski’s national teammate, Wojciech Szczesny, has announced his retirement from soccer after an illustrious 18-year career, including seven seasons as Juventus’ starting goalkeeper.

The 34-year-old Szczesny shared his decision on social media, explaining the reasons behind his choice: “I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses. Today, even though my body feels ready for more challenges, my heart is no longer in that place,” Szczesny said.

In response to Szczesny’s announcement, Lewandowski reflected on how the news has shifted his perspective on life and the sport. He mentioned that it has led him to “approach things differently” to enjoy certain moments without future regrets.

Poland’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches

Led by Lewandowski, the Polish national team will begin their UEFA Nations League campaign with an away match against Scotland on September 5, followed by a clash with Croatia on September 8.

Hans-Dieter Flick is one of those names, and according Bild, the German manager is already learning Spanish to be prepared for the Barca job. The report claims the former German national team coach “would like” to work at Camp Nou as he’s looking for a “new challenge” in the summer.

Flick was the architect behind Bayern Munich’s historic run in the 2020 UEFA Champions League, leading the Bavarians to a memorable campaign in which they didn’t lose a single game en route to the title.

He later took charge of Germany, but nothing went according to plan. Hansi Flick was fired from the German national team in September 2023, following a 1-4 loss to Japan. 10 months earlier, his squad suffered a group stage elimination at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Deco says Barcelona haven’t talked with any coach yet

While Flick emerges as a candidate to take over the day Xavi leaves, Barcelona sporting director Deco said the club hasn’t begun the search of a new manager yet as it’s still too soon to be thinking about Xavi’s replacement.

“At the moment, we haven’t spoken to any coach. We are assimilating the departure of Xavi,” Deco said in an interview with Spanish outlet La Vanguardia. The Portuguese, however, explained what the club expects from their future coach.

“The decision will be made by the club. Decisions are not made by one person alone. Whoever comes in has to follow a working philosophy; we will hardly be a team that doesn’t want to play well, that doesn’t want to possess the ball,” he added. “Starting from that idea, every coach has their characteristics, but the one who comes in has to have ambition and hunger to achieve great things. And he must know where he is coming to.“

Deco addressed the rumors about Thiago Motta, who is doing a great job at the helm of Bologna, but admitted that he doesn’t “follow” his work so much because he doesn’t watch the Serie A side regularly. Another candidate he talked about is Rafa Marquez, who is working at Barcelona B. “He is a young coach who is growing in the face of difficulties. Being here will make him a better coach,” Deco said about the Mexican.

Now, there’s a big challenge ahead as Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024. There’s no margin of error as it’s a must win scenario at home. However, things weren’t looking good for coach Hansi Flick.

During the Qatar 2022 World Cup, with the former leader of Bayern Munich in charge, Germany couldn’t deliver against teams like Japan or Spain. Even with a massive failure, there was still trust in the process.

Hansi Flick is fired as head coach of Germany

Hansi Flick will be fired as coach of Germany’s national team after a resounding 4-1 loss facing Japan in an International Friendly which was played at Wolfsburg. Rudi Völler has been named interim.

The numbers were just worrying with Flick after the World Cup’s elimination. In 2023, Germany only had one victory in six matches. That included four defeats: Belgium, Poland, Colombia and the humiliation facing the Japanese squad.

The UEFA Euro 2024 starts on June 14 and the search for a new coach has already begun.

Who is the current head coach of Germany?

As already mentioned, Rudi Völler takes over as interim. However, there will be an immediate search for a new head coach in Germany. Of course, the favorite of the fans is Jürgen Klopp, but that seems just impossible as he’s committed to Liverpool.

Who will be new Germany coach?

Julian Nagelsmann could be the strongest possible name. He had a very controversial exit from Bayern Munich and many saw him as the natural successor of the Joachim Löw-Hansi Flick process. The surprising options might be Oliver Glasner (Wolfsburg) or Christian Streich (Friburg).