Flick eyes another century ahead of Barca milestone
Hansi Flick is targeting another century of games in charge of Barcelona as he prepares to oversee his 100th game for the club against Villarreal in LaLiga on Sunday (AEDT).
Flick replaced former Barcelona midfielder Xavi in May 2024, becoming only the third German to manage the club in its history, after Hennes Weisweiler and Udo Lattek.
The 61-year-old oversaw a dream debut campaign, leading the Blaugrana to the LaLiga, Supercopa de Espana and Copa del Rey titles in 2024-2025.
Flick has won 74 of his 99 matches in all competitions at the helm, losing 16 and drawing nine. Should Barcelona win this weekend, he will become the manager with the second-most victories after his first century of matches in charge of the club, only behind Luis Enrique with 80.
"It's a great honour to achieve this number of matches. It was a dream to coach here, and I enjoy myself every day, with the players, the fans," he said.
"Why not be here for another 100 games? I enjoy every day here. The weather is fantastic. I love my job. It's an honour. And everyone should be proud of the team."
But on the field, Flick is expecting a stern test against Villarreal, which sits 10 points back in LaLiga and is aiming to seal a spot in the UEFA Champions League for next season.
Villarreal boss Marcelino has won two of his past four league games against Barcelona, after failing to win any of his first 20 encounters in the competition.
Barcelona regained top spot last weekend after a comfortable 3-0 win over Levante last time out, having seen Real Madrid fall to a shock loss at Osasuna a day earlier.
"If you are winning, it is one game less. For me, the important thing is that we do our job," Flick explained. "We remember the last game in Villarreal, it was a lucky victory.
"We must not make unnecessary mistakes and play our style. We can improve, and we have to do it. We have to win, win, and win."
Flick was also asked about Barcelona's UEFA Champions League Round of 16 opponent. The 2015 winner was drawn against Newcastle United in what is a repeat of the first league phase fixture of the 2025-2026 edition, with Marcus Rashford's brilliant brace helping Barcelona on its way to a 2-1 victory at St. James' Park.
"All games are important. I don't celebrate not facing PSG, you have to respect the opponent," Flick insisted.
"Everyone wants to reach the final and Newcastle also want to win the [UEFA] Champions League. All opponents are difficult. It won't be easy. You have to play at the highest level.
"Playing against Atletico or Tottenham [Hotspur] if we pass is also very difficult. It's fantastic to have this opportunity, but we strictly respect all our rivals."
