'They can recover that Guardiola magic' - Germany legend makes huge Hansi Flick prediction for Barcelona

Lothar Matthaus believes Hansi Flick has the potential to revive the glory days of Barcelona, particularly those had under the management of Pep Guardiola.

Flick is expected to be named head coach of La Blaugrana soon, after club president Joan Laporta decided to pull a U-turn on his decision to keep Xavi at the helm.

Xavi will leave his managerial post at Camp Nou after Barca's final game of the season, after which former Germany boss Flick is set to take charge, and Matthaus, the 1990 Ballon d'Or winner, has bright hopes for Barca's future.

"Under Pep Guardiola, Barcelona stood for spectacle and great football. Hansi can bring this magic back," Matthaus said in an interview with Bild.

"Hansi fits Barcelona with his style. He wants his teams to act offensively, attractively. With [Marc-Andre] ter Stegen, [Ilkay] Gundogan and [Robert] Lewandowski, he immediately has three reference persons, which is important. He had made Gundogan captain at the DFB, which speaks for their special relationship.

"Barcelona has very talented players and, despite the difficult economic situation, always finds ways for transfers. In addition, there are many jewels in the club that Hansi, who is known as a talent promoter, will polish."

Barcelona will finish in second place of La Liga this season, as Xavi leads them for one last time at 13th-placed Sevilla on Sunday.

Flick is reported to have agreed a two-year contract with Barcelona and returns to club management for the first time since his wildly successful stint with Bayern Munich between 2019 and 2021.

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