The Man Who Crushed Madrid Will Stay

With the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and LaLiga nearly wrapped up, Hansi Flick has led Barcelona through one of their most dominant seasons in recent memory. The German coach, who signed until June 2026, is set to extend his deal by one more year, taking him through June 2027.

The agreement is complete and only awaits the mathematical confirmation of the league title. Flick, his agent Pini Zahavi, and Joan Laporta sealed the deal during a celebratory dinner after the Clásico win. True to his philosophy, Flick refused a longer deal, preferring short-term contracts that allow flexibility based on performance.

The locker room is eager to finish the job this Thursday against Espanyol, avoiding dependence on Real Madrid's results. A win in the Catalan derby would turn the final two league matches into a celebration and a chance to give minutes to players like Ansu Fati, Héctor Fort, and Pau Víctor.

Szczęsny’s Future Still Unclear

Another major decision pending for Barcelona is the future of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. After coming out of retirement to replace injured Marc-André ter Stegen, the Polish international has performed admirably: 29 matches played, 13 clean sheets, and full confidence from Flick.

Now 35, Szczęsny has a two-year contract offer on the table, but his decision isn’t final. “It’s a family choice. Normally, I make the football decisions, but this time my wife will have the final say,” said the goalkeeper, who had retired to focus on golf.

While the club has agreed on financial terms, the final call depends on personal and logistical matters, such as schooling for their children and relocating from Marbella.

With Flick staying and a fourth title potentially on the horizon, Barcelona is thriving in one of its most successful stretches in recent years, all while leaving Real Madrid without answers and without trophies.