da imperador bet: German legend Lothar Matthaus believes incoming Barcelona boss Hansi Flick can restore the "magic" Pep Guardiola once instilled in the club.
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Manager Xavi sacked by BarcelonaEx-Bayern boss Flick to replace himGerman to bring 'magic back' to clubWHAT HAPPENED?
The former Bayern Munich boss is set to replace Xavi in Barca's dugout, with the 44-year-old's last game in charge away to Sevilla on Sunday. Hot on the heels of his sacking, ex-Germany international Matthaus has talked up how good a job Flick could do at the Catalan giants.
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He told German publication : "I'm very happy for Hansi. He had been in contact with Barcelona for a long time, the club had put out feelers for him. Hansi was patient and can now go to an absolute world-class club. Barcelona have very talented players and, despite the difficult economic situation, always find ways to make transfers. In addition, there are many gems in the club that Hansi, who is known as a talent promoter, will polish. Barcelona stood for spectacle and great football under Pep Guardiola. Hansi can bring that magic back."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Guardiola's Barcelona side is widely regarded as one of the best teams of all time. They won 14 trophies during his near four-year stewardship between 2008 and 2012 and if Flick – who lifted silverware on seven occasions at Bayern, including a Champions League triumph – can replicate some of that success, they will be onto a winner.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Before Flick's unveiling as Barca boss, Xavi – who took over at the Spanish side two-and-a-half years ago and led them to La Liga success last season – will bid farewell to his beloved club in the final game of the campaign this weekend.