Bayern Munich legend explains what makes Flick different from other managers: ‘Players would have given their lives…’ | OneFootball

There are not many people in football who know Hansi Flick better than Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

That is why the words from the Bayern Munich legend after Barcelona secured another La Liga title carried real weight.

Barcelona’s latest championship triumph, their second in a row under Flick, has strengthened the feeling across Europe that the German coach has completely transformed the atmosphere around the club. 

And according to Rummenigge, that is no coincidence. Speaking to Bild (h/t SPORT), the former Bayern executive praised Flick not only for the trophies, but for the connection he creates inside a dressing room.

Rummenigge explains why players trust Flick

Rummenigge admitted he personally wanted to congratulate Flick after another title-winning season in Spain and explained what he believes separates the Barcelona manager from many others in football.

“I’m delighted that he’s achieved this, because he deserves this success. 

“Hansi has that exceptional ability to work brilliantly with his team and build excellent relationships based on trust with the players. 

“When we were in Lisbon with Bayern in 2020 during the pandemic, there was an atmosphere I had never experienced before at our club. 

“That spirit and sense of community were incredible.”

Interestingly, Rummenigge also revealed that Bayern have tried to recreate some of the same dressing room energy under current manager Vincent Kompany.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is not surprised by Flick’s impact. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“The players would have given their lives for their manager, and Hansi embodies that value just as much as Vincent Kompany. 

“They are key figures in the success of their teams.”

Advice given to Joan Laporta

The Bayern legend also shared details of a private conversation he had with Joan Laporta shortly after Flick arrived in Barcelona.

Rummenigge explains he understood how demanding the environment at Barcelona can become and warned Laporta about the importance of protecting his manager.

“I know my old friend Joan Laporta very well, and I also know how tough the atmosphere can be at FC Barcelona. 

“Shortly after Hansi arrived, I bumped into Laporta by chance and said to him, ‘You have to promise me that you’ll be Hansi’s best friend. 

“And that you’ll always support him unconditionally!’ Because Hansi needs that trust to succeed.”

Predicts UCL success for Barcelona

Lastly, the German football figure believes Flick is building something much bigger at Camp Nou and backed Barcelona to eventually conquer Europe again under the former Bayern coach.

“And I’m delighted that it’s turned out this way. Winning the league twice, ahead of Real Madrid and significantly rejuvenating the team in the process is a huge achievement. 

“I predict that Hansi will also win the Champions League with Barcelona if he stays there long enough.”