Bayern's coach Hansi Flick applauds during UEFA Champions League group B football match between Crvena Zvezda and Bayern in Belgrade, Serbia on Nov. 26, 2019. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua)
Hansi Flick, the current manager of Bayern Munich, is set to be given a new contract for two more years after his team's perfect start into the Bundesliga's second half.
By Zhang Xiao
BERLIN, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Hansi Flick's facial expression told the story. Satisfaction was written on his face. The current manager of Bayern Munich enjoyed the moments as head coach after his team's perfect start into the Bundesliga's second half, a 4-0 victory over Hertha BSC Berlin and Juergen Klinsmann.
The 54-year-old seems fully aware of what is ahead of him: The maybe most important weeks of his career. Delivering a successful performance until summer is going to secure an extension of his part-time contract in Munich.
Media reports and insider information speaks of the former German national assistant having to go through the exam of his life-time first. Nothing less than the national title is expected aside from something near the semi-final in the Champions League.
FC Bayern Munich's Head Coach Hansi Flick (L) attends a training session at Bayern Munich's winter break training camp at the Aspire Zone Foundation in Doha, Qatar, Jan. 8, 2020. (Photo by Nikku/Xinhua)
In the end, a contract over two to three years might be waiting as media reports indicate. The perfect start was the first significant step.
For many years Flick seemed happy with his new role behind a desk in the background of football's limelight. Things have significantly changed after he had left the German association and the TSG Hoffenheim (2014 - 2018).
He seemed to have found new joy with the smell of grass around him. The former Bayern Munich professional did first cautious steps as he agreed on an assistant coaching offer of the club, he played for from 1985 to 1990 in 104 games as a reliable midfielder.
But still, Flick was seen as a man of the second or third row. He had been one of the assistants of the German national coaches Klinsmann and Joachim Low, but he never was the head-coach of a bigger club than Hoffenheim in third division times.
German head coach Joachim Loew (facing) and assistant coach Hansi Flick celebrate their team's 1-0 lead during the FIFA World Cup 2014 final between Germany and Argentina at the Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 13 July 2014.
After Bayern's Niko Kovac got the sack, he seemed the perfect choice in an emergency situation for several games until a major figure was found. Stabilizing the struggling Bavarians made him an option until the winter break, and in the end, he was rewarded with a contract until summer 2020.
"I have been away from coaching for quite a while," he commented. He talked about his newly grown desire as a head coach. "I like this job very much, it's something that is giving me satisfaction."
Flick said he wouldn't step back again and return to his assistant job in Munich in case the club is deciding to count on the experience of a so-called big name.
Flick made clear he is determined to fight for his chance.
Paris St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel was mentioned in media reports aside from a possible spectacular return of former Bayern coach Pep Guardiola from Manchester City and Ajax coach Erik Ten Hag.
After Flick managed to deal correctly with his squad, Bayern's sports director Hasan Salihamidzic announced the club is giving the search for a new coach a rest. Flick will get the chance to make his dream for a more extended contract come true.
Reports speak of a final decision until mid-April latest.
In a short time, Flick proved he has managed to get the entire locker room behind him. Nearly every vital Bayern performer spoke in favor of their interim coach. Some feel reminded of Jupp Heynckes. The 74-year-old 2013 treble winner, working for Bayern three times, is seen as the clubs most popular coach. Flick seems right on the way to follow in the hero's footsteps.■