Hansi Flick vows strong finish as Roberto, Alba to leave

Hansi Flick has pledged to turn FC Barcelona’s season around just days after the club announced he would leave at the end of the campaign. Speaking to reporters at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Monday, the German coach told fans: “We will finish this season strong and look ahead to the future with confidence.” His promise comes amid growing frustration over Barcelona’s inconsistent form in La Liga and the Champions League, where they trail Real Madrid in the title race and face an early knockout in Europe.

The pressure on Flick has been building since he took charge in the summer, replacing Xavi Hernández. After a promising start, results have dipped, with injuries to key players like Gavi and Pedri disrupting the team’s rhythm. Barcelona’s financial constraints have also limited squad reinforcements, leaving Flick to work with what he has. The club’s board, led by Joan Laporta, has publicly backed the coach, but recent poor performances have raised questions about whether a mid-season overhaul is needed.

Flick used the briefing to confirm the exits of two players who will leave when their contracts expire in June. Midfielder Sergi Roberto and veteran defender Jordi Alba, both club legends, are set to depart after long careers at Camp Nou. Their departures signal a generational shift, with younger players like Lamine Yamal and Fermín López expected to step into bigger roles next season. Flick insisted the changes would strengthen the squad, saying: “We need to build for the future while still competing now.”

Barcelona face a packed schedule in the coming weeks, including a crucial Clasico against Real Madrid on April 14. A strong finish could salvage some pride, but with the title likely slipping away, the focus is shifting to next season. Flick’s future beyond June remains uncertain, but his latest comments suggest he’s determined to leave a positive legacy—even if it means reshaping the team in his image.