Romano reveals truth on Barcelona links with Conte, Flick and Motta

Tom Weber

• Updated: 10 Feb 2024 12:39 GMT
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has provided some clarity regarding Barcelona's ongoing search for a new head coach.

Xavi rocked Barcelona fans and club chiefs when he announced last month that he would be leaving his post at the end of the current campaign. The 44-year-old has overseen a disappointing season so far and is convinced that a "change of dynamic" is needed in Catalunya.

Speculation about his potential successor has abounded, with several names crystalising as potential options. The likes of Roberto de Zerbi and Xabi Alonso have been named, but both are under contract and will thus require a transfer fee, something the cash-strapped Catalans can ill-afford to pay.

Jurgen Klopp has also been mentioned, though he has already stated that he will take some time away from the game. More recently, former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte was said to have offered himself to the Blaugrana, while ex-Bayern and Germany coach Hansi Flick is reportedly learning Spanish as he too is keen on the job.

Finally, there is former Barca player Thiago Motta, who is doing a brilliant job at Bologna. However, sporting director Deco recently admitted that he is not familiar with his ex-teammate's work and that the Brazilian is not under consideration, which has now been echoed by Fabrizio Romano.

What did Romano say?

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: "Antonio Conte offered to Barcelona as a new manager? From what I'm told, it's something not real, not true. At the moment, there is nothing ongoing between Barcelona and Antonio Conte."

"Thiago Motta, mentioned for weeks as a potential candidate for the Barcelona job, is not in the frame for Barca. He's going to stay in Italy and work in Italy next season from what I'm told."

"What I'm told is that Hansi Flick would be super happy to join Barca. So, he's really tempted by the possibility and Hansi Flick is super open about the Barca job, but it's on Barca. Barca have to decide - [Joan] Laporta, Deco, all the people at the club - who is the manager they want and, at the moment, they still have not made a decision."