Barcelona are reportedly considering Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as one of the options in case manager Hansi Flick doesn't renew his contract, which comes to an end in June 2027.
Hansi Flick's impact at Barcelona
The German has been at the Camp Nou helm since the summer of 2024 and dropped instant success. Flick guided Barca to the domestic treble and to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where they lost 7-6 on aggregate in extra time to Inter Milan.
Flick has had a genuine start to his second season at the helm, recovering from a slow start to take his team a point clear atop La Liga after 21 matches. Although the German tactician wants to stay at the club beyond mid-2027, he has not yet said yes to a long-term contract.
Barcelona's backup plan
Barca have a backup plan in place if Hansi Flick decides to cut short his tenure at the Camp Nou at the end of next season. As per SPORT, they are considering Mikel Arteta as well as Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique among the options to replace the German coach.
Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta's performance in their respective clubs
Enrique is one of the top coaches in the game at the moment, guiding PSG to an iconic quadruple - consisting of maiden UEFA Champions League title - in his second season in charge in 2024-25. On the other hand Mikel Arteta, who arrived at the Emirates in December 2019 - has taken his team seven points clear at the Premier League summit following 22 games as the Gunners aim to end their 22-year league title drought.
Next challenge for Barcelona
Barcelona are going through a solid season. Coming off a 2-1 loss against Real Sociedad in La Liga at the weekend, Hansi Flick's side have seen their lead atop the summit dwindle to just a point.
On-loan Manchester United star Marcus Rashford scored either side of Mikel Oyarzabol and Goncalo Guedes as the Blaugrana lost for only the third time this season. Second-placed Real Madrid banked on the holders' lapse with a 2-0 home win against Levante.
Flick's side will aim to remain clear at the top when they host Real Oviedo on Sunday, January 25. But before that, Barca travel to Slavia Prague in the UEFA Champions League, where they are 15th after six league phase games.