Reports have surfaced suggesting Jürgen Klopp has held informal discussions with Barcelona, at a time when Hansi Flick’s future at the club appears uncertain.
Flick enjoyed a successful debut season at the Camp Nou, winning both La Liga and the Copa del Rey, and also reaching the Champions League semi-finals. But now in his second year, ABC Futebol claims the German is “exhausted” and has privately expressed his desire to leave since September. Although he hasn’t formally informed sporting director Deco or president Joan Laporta, Flick is said to be frustrated with a lack of discipline among players — particularly Lamine Yamal — and what he views as insufficient backing from the club’s hierarchy.
There is currently no indication that Flick is on the verge of being dismissed. However, should he depart, his compatriot Klopp would be among the top names Barca might consider. Out of management since leaving Liverpool in May 2024, Klopp is currently serving as Red Bull’s Global Head of Football.
Ralf Rangnick previously recommended Klopp to Barcelona. While consulting for the club in 2021, he held talks with Laporta and Rafael Yuste about their long-term project, advising that the next manager must be capable of developing young talent. He proposed both Klopp and Flick, with Flick eventually getting the job.
Rangnick told SPORT:
> “If you want to work with young players, you must trust them and let them play like young wolves. I mentioned Hansi Flick and maybe Klopp as well.”
Even before Flick’s appointment, Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Farré claimed he had spoken to Klopp about taking charge of the team, despite Ronald Koeman only recently being named manager.
Farré told Diario Sport:
> “We had already opened conversations with Jürgen Klopp because we believe Barca need a coach like him.”
Klopp has since insisted he would not manage another English club after his Liverpool legacy. On The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett, he admitted he doesn’t miss long hours in the rain, press duties, or dressing-room responsibilities.
Barcelona face Club Brugge on Wednesday as they look for a third Champions League win of the campaign. Domestically, they sit five points behind Real Madrid after 11 league matches.
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