Hansi Flick continues to face difficulties learning Spanish during his third season with Barcelona, an issue that has become a source of personal frustration for the German manager.
The program Barça Reservat on Catalunya Ràdio revealed details regarding Flick’s continued reliance on other languages, despite having spent over two years at the technical helm of the club.
According to the report, the 61-year-old manager attributes his learning struggles to his age and the stark structural differences between Spanish and German, particularly when required to communicate quickly and accurately before the press.
Radio panelists noted an impression that Flick may have tempered his expectations regarding full language mastery—a assessment made by the program’s commentators rather than a direct statement from the manager that he has abandoned learning altogether.
Barcelona does not view the situation as a problem requiring added pressure on the head coach; he conducts between 100 and 120 press conferences a season, where misinterpretations can easily arise when using unfamiliar vocabulary.
His assistant, Arnau Blanco, plays a pivotal role in translating and relaying tactical instructions to players, leveraging his deep knowledge of the club and his clear understanding of the manager’s philosophy and training demands.
Flick assumed charge of Barcelona in the summer of 2024 and delivered a domestic treble in his debut season—winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España—which bolstered total confidence in his work despite the language barrier.
The German currently relies on English, German, and his coaching staff to manage daily communication, leaving Spanish as a personal challenge while the club prioritizes tactical clarity and the ongoing efficiency of his work.
