According to Mundo Deportivo journalist Ferran Martínez, Laporta made the remarks during an interview with the SER Catalunya programme “Què t’hi jugues”, where he explained that his interest in Hansi Flick dates back several years.

Laporta recalls early interest in Flick

Joan Laporta said Hansi Flick was already at the top of his shortlist when he returned as president of FC Barcelona in 2021.

“I would have signed Flick earlier, as soon as I arrived,” Laporta said in the radio interview.

At the time, however, the German coach was not available to Barcelona. According to Laporta, Flick was already moving toward a role connected with the German national team, which made a deal difficult.

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“At that time he was not an option, but he was the one I liked best for Barça,” Laporta said.

Inspiration from conversation with Ralf Rangnick

According to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta’s interest in the German coach began after he read an interview with Ralf Rangnick discussing a new generation of German managers.

Laporta later asked Barcelona sporting vice president Rafael Yuste to arrange a meeting with Rangnick so he could learn more about the emerging coaching profiles.

“I asked Yuste to invite him to lunch, and he told us that Flick was the most committed of them all,” Laporta said during the interview.

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Laporta added that the club’s leadership already sensed at that time that Hansi Flick had a natural affinity with FC Barcelona’s playing philosophy.

“Hansi was excited about Barça, but it was not meant to be then,” he said.

Barcelona continued with Ronald Koeman

According to reporting from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s leadership ultimately decided to continue with Ronald Koeman as head coach at that stage.

Laporta said he informed the Dutch manager about the situation and explained that his alternative option had not materialised.

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“I told Koeman that my option had not materialised and that we were sticking with him,” Laporta said, adding that Koeman accepted the decision professionally.

Xavi’s decision reopened the Flick plan

The situation changed in January 2024 when Xavi Hernández announced he would not continue as Barcelona coach after a match against Villarreal CF, citing the intense pressure that comes with the role.

According to Mundo Deportivo, that decision allowed the club’s leadership to revisit the plan Laporta had been considering for years.

“When Xavi told us that he would not continue, we decided to go for Hansi,” Laporta said.

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Laporta sees Flick as key to Barcelona’s future

During the campaign ahead of Barcelona’s presidential election on March 15, Laporta also expressed strong confidence in the German coach’s future at the club.

He believes Hansi Flick has the qualities required to lead the team in the coming years.

“I would like him to be the coach for the next few years because he has all the qualities, he is demanding, knowledgeable, professional, knows how to handle players, and he is happy here,” Laporta said.

“He radiates good vibes and has a strong personality and character.”

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Sources: Mundo Deportivo