Juventus and Barcelona are both assessing the possibility of moving for outgoing Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick. According to iMiaSanMia, the German tactician could be a subject of a tug-of-war between the two European powerhouses in the summer.
Flick guided Bayern to Champions League and Bundesliga glory in his first year in charge and has just recently defended the domestic crown. Despite enjoying massive success at the Allianz Arena, the 58-year-old will part company with the Bavarians at the end of the season.
Bayern have already secured the services of Julian Naglesmann from RB Leipzig in a record-breaking deal. It is fair to say that it was only a matter of time before one of the most highly-rated managers in Europe will take over the reins in Munich.
Once his ties with the perennial Bundesliga champions were severed, Flick will be free to choose his next destination based on his own criteria. Various recent reports have named him Joachim Low’s successor at the helm of the German national team.
However, the former Niko Kovac’s assistant may remain in the realm of the club management as Juventus and Barcelona both consider appointing him their new head coach in the summer. During his brief reign in Munich, Flick has earned a reputation as a top-class manager, hence the interest from some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
Juventus are ready to cut short Andrea Pirlo’s tenure following a thoroughly underwhelming season everyone in Turin would rather erase from their memory. Another premature Champions League exit accompanied by a horrendous domestic campaign has left the Bianconeri chiefs flabbergasted.
Fabio Paratici has already made it clear Pirlo’s future at the Allianz Stadium will rely on the Italian’s ability to navigate Juventus to a top-four finish in Serie A. The dethroned champions are in a precarious position ahead of their heavyweight clash against Inter Milan on Saturday.
Sitting one point adrift of fourth-placed Napoli with two games left to play, Juventus are at risk of missing out on Champions League football for the first time in a decade. If they fail to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition, the Bianconeri are unlikely to stick with Pirlo next season.
That’s where Flick comes in. The German strongly encourages attacking-minded football based on quick movements and deadly transition, which makes him perfect for the job.
However, Juventus could face stiff competition for Barcelona as Joan Laporta may look to replace Ronald Koeman. The Dutchman is under heavy scrutiny on the back of a disappointing maiden season at Camp Nou.
A trophyless season isn’t something the Catalan chiefs are willing to tolerate. So Koeman could leave Spain after just a single season, with Flick among the leading candidates to take his place.