Barcelona manager Hansi Flick celebrated his birthday in the week and will hit another personal milestone on Saturday against Villarreal in La Liga, as the German coach will take charge of the Catalan giants for the 100th time in all competitions.
Flick is only into his second season as Barcelona boss but has already guided to the club to four trophies and still has the team (just about) fighting on all fronts this season.
The Barca coach has a record of 74 wins, nine draws and 16 defeats in his 99
games in charge of the club. Another win will see him become the manager with the second-most victories after his first 100 matches in charge of the Catalan side. Luis Enrique tops the pile having managed 80 wins from his first 100 games but Flick’s not too far behind.
A victory would certainly be a sweet way for Flick to mark his century. He may not have been at the club for that long but he’s already become much loved by players, staff and fans alike.
Even Joan Laporta has fallen deeply for the German coach and says he wants him to stay for as long as he likes.
“If I become president again, he’ll stay until he decides to leave,“ he said.
“He knows the club very well and will have even more experience. He didn’t want more years of experience, but he’s the ideal coach for Barça right now, and thanks to him we’re experiencing a very sweet moment.”
Of course we don’t know how long Flick will stay. He’s said he’s no fan of long-term contracts and is currently in a job that is well-known for having chewed up and spat out many of his predecessors.
Yet Flick has been happy to speak publicly and genuinely about his love for this club and the city. His obvious disappointment at seeing Dro Fernandez leave – “I loved this boy” – spoke volumes. His refusal to criticise his decision to move on even more so.
He’s also managed to rise about the infamous entorno so far and has guided the team with real class, composure, passion and good humor. A true gentleman. His first 100 games in charge of Barca have brought incredible highs, a few lows, plenty of wonderful memories and many, many wins over Real Madrid.
Here’s to Hansi’s next hundred.
