While the appointment of Hansi Flick at Barcelona appears to be imminent, the German manager is yet to arrive in the Catalan capital. The announcement of his hiring could well come on Monday, but there has been a delay.

The announcement was scheduled for Monday, a day after Xavi Hernandez’s final game, but MD say that his presentation will not be the usual either.  Firstly, Barcelona want to agree the termination of Xavi’s contract and those of his staff. The fee to sack them has been estimated at €15-20m, and Xavi has said that he is willing to waive the money due to him, but Barcelona want to reach an agreement before Flick arrives.

They go on to say that there will not be the usual media presentation and press conference on Flick’s arrival, noting that the ex-Bayern Munich manager wants to settle in and embed himself in the sporting and economic situation at the club before speaking to the media.

This will mark a curious start to life in Barcelona for Flick, although perhaps will allow him to work in peace, something Xavi never felt he benefitted from. One of Xavi’s weaker points during his spell has been his handling of the media, and perhaps Flick is wary of getting off to the wrong start.