Feature: Flick's farewell causing sentimental feelings ahead of Germany job

2021-05-22 03:35:59 GMT2021-05-22 11:35:59(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Despite sentimental feelings, Bayern Munich's departing coach Hansi Flick has drawn a clear picture of his future.

Ahead of his side's final 2020-21 Bundesliga match against Augsburg this Saturday, the 56-year-old confirmed that talks to become the next Germany national team coach are close to being completed.

Media reports speak of the 2020 treble-winning coach signing a contract until 2024 to succeed Joachim Low, with the 61-year-old set to leave the Germany post after this summer's delayed Euro 2020 tournament.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Armenia on September 5 is likely to be Flick's first game on the Germany bench.

Only final details need to be sorted, the departing Bayern coach said. "I talked to the association. When we are finally done, we might announce the deal shortly," the former midfielder stated.

"Everyone knows about my relationship to the national team, but for now, it is the game against Augsburg and the following vacation that is on my mind."

Flick said he doesn't need a longer break to recover but is looking forward to a new chapter in his coaching life.

The latest media reports speak of interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, while Flick has only mentioned the Germany job.

Seven titles in 19 months seems reason enough to admit special feelings regarding his farewell on Bayern's bench.

"I don't know what is going to happen around the last game," he said in advance of the Bavarians' "day of farewells", with Flick making way at Bayern for new coach Julian Nagelsmann.

In addition to assistant coaches Miroslav Klose and Hermann Gerland, players such as David Alaba, Jerome Boateng, Javi Martinez and Douglas Costa are also set to leave.

"I enjoyed this unique journey overwhelmingly," Flick stated, after winning no fewer than seven trophies in 2020 and 2021.

Flick said he is happy "the journey comes to an end, and something new is ahead." To coach "a team like that, such an outstandingly great squad, has been something exceptional."

Despite the turbulence leading to his resignation, he is free of bad feelings, he said. Instead, he assured every one of his players his full support in the future. Once in charge of Germany, Flick is set to meet several of his current charges.

"Two years ago, I only knew I wanted to return as a coach. Bayern gave me a great chance on its coaching staff," he added, not mentioning he united a struggling team back in November 2019 and took the club back to glory.

The Bayern coach spoke of the great pleasure "to feel the team's desire to win titles playing a dynamic attacking football. My coaching staff and I had the opportunity to accompany a fabulous team over a short but successful period."

While Bayern is said to be eying Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, Flick spoke about a happy ending against Augsburg, allowing spearhead Robert Lewandowski to set a new record.

Last weekend the Pole equaled Gerd Muller's mark of 40 national league season goals in a single season, achieved in 1971/72. Enditem

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