Details of how Hansi Flick won Barcelona’s trust and secured the job in 2024 | OneFootball

Barcelona’s progress under Hansi Flick, especially in 2025, is simply impossible to miss.

With a domestic treble in his debut season to dethroning Real Madrid from the La Liga table, it has been a joyous ride and the German.

Now, a report from SPORT has revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how Barcelona successfully convinced Flick to take charge of the club in May 2024, a decision that would later prove to be a defining moment.

The decisive breakthrough came in late May 2024, when a key meeting was held in London, and that encounter would ultimately change the course of Barcelona’s future. 

What’s the story?

It was there that Flick managed to convince sporting director Deco and club official Bojan Krkic that he was the right man to lead the club’s new project. 

The meeting lasted close to five hours, a lengthy and intense exchange that laid the foundations for what Barça hoped would be a new era of stability and ambition.

Deco and Bojan travelled to London early in the morning and returned to Barcelona later that evening with their minds made up. 

The only step left was final approval from President Joan Laporta. The meeting itself took place at the home of Flick’s agent, Pini Zahavi, a familiar figure in high-profile negotiations.

Flick arrived fully prepared. He presented his vision with the clarity of someone aware that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Flick impressed the Barcelona officials in the very first meeting. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Using an iPad, he laid out a detailed analysis of the squad, tactical ideas, and long-term sporting planning through a specialised coaching application. 

Everything was structured, clear, and convincing.

How did Flick convince Barcelona?

Flick explained that, given the quality already available, he did not understand why Barcelona were not competing for every trophy. 

He presented reports on reserve-team players, highlighted the importance of La Masia, and insisted that the club’s foundations were far stronger than many believed. 

Crucially, he stressed that he did not need new signings to begin building.

While discussing individual talents, Flick made his belief clear when referring to Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, and Lamine Yamal, stating confidently that “they can become the best in the world in their positions.”

Concerns were also addressed during the meeting, including language barriers, dressing-room communication, and Flick’s unfamiliarity with the Barcelona environment. 

The coach responded calmly to each point, defending his model with confidence and clarity.

Deco and Bojan returned impressed not only by Flick’s football ideas but also by his personality. Once Laporta reviewed their report, the president gave the green light. 

Flick, who had rejected other offers and placed his faith in Barcelona, finally saw his patience rewarded.