Hansi Flick celebrates contract extension in training with Barcelona midfielder riding horseback – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are down to their final fixture of the 2024/25 La Liga season, but with the title already secured, the atmosphere around the club has shifted to celebration. Since sealing the championship with a victory over Espanyol, the mood in the camp has been jubilant, and the focus has understandably turned from results to reflection and renewal.

The Catalan club lost their subsequent game to Villarreal but it didn’t necessarily put them off. Instead, the Montjuic stadium was bouncing as Barcelona got the chance to lift the trophy and celebrate in front of their home crowd.

Renewals are a priority

In the subsequent days, both Hansi Flick and Raphinha have signed contract extensions with the club and more are expected to be on the way. The German coach extended his stay at the Catalan club until 2027 as he looks to take the project that he is building to the next level.

Hansi Flick has proven to be an excellent man manager. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Ahead of Athletic Club, Barcelona had a training session where the atmosphere was very relaxed. As seen in a video on the club’s official handles via Mundo Deportivo, Flick was seen entering the training session with Dani Olmo riding on him, horseback. This was done as he went through the tunnel, as is the tradition when someone signs a new deal.

The German coach, who is 60 years old, showed excellent physical shape as he had no problem in carrying Dani Olmo on his back. This was greeted with laughter and applause from the rest of the team in training yesterday.

Dani Olmo – Flick’s first marquee signing

Dani Olmo was Flick’s marquee signing last summer and the Spaniard has gone on to have a very decent first season at the club. Although injuries have often curtailed his progress, there is no doubt that he adds something very unique to the team.

The 27-year-old was given a rest from the start against Villarreal in Barcelona’s last game in the league, with Fermin Lopez starting in his position. Olmo has played 38 games across all competitions this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists.

Dani Olmo was Hansi Flick’s first and only marquee signing till now. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The image of Flick straddling Dani Olmo on his back shows how close a relationship the players share with the charismatic German manager. It is a reminder of how good a man manager the ex-Bayern Munich head coach is.

As for Olmo, despite an injury-interrupted campaign, his creativity and ability to operate between the lines remain vital assets. With a full pre-season and improved fitness, the 27-year-old will look to play an even more influential role in what promises to be an exciting second season under Flick.