Earlier this week, FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick signed a new contract with the club, committing his future until 2028 with an option for an additional year.
Having taken over in 2024, with his trusted staff members, the German tactician has led Barça to five trophies in two seasons.
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However, even as his continuity has been secured, it appears that one of his staffers will be saying goodbye to the club.
Stephan Nopp set to leave Barcelona
Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, Stephan Nopp, one of the analysts personally brought in by Flick in October 2024, has informed the squad that he is leaving Barcelona for personal reasons.
Stephan Nopp set to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Alexander Scheuber/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Born in Oder, Frankfurt, Nopp arrived at Barcelona in October 2024 together with Michael Hasemann after building experience across various roles, including coaching women’s football and working as a match analyst for the German national team in two separate spells.
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During one of those periods, he worked alongside Barcelona’s current coach as well as Joachim Low. His signing for the Blaugrana was a direct request from Flick himself.
Nopp, or “Noppi,” as Flick affectionately calls him, is a tactical specialist who has centred his work around match study, strategic analysis and tactical preparation, as well as in-game corrections using video footage and statistics.
Flick loses a key staff member. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
However, he has decided to move on this summer, with the coach informing the Barcelona squad of the decision earlier this morning.
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Meanwhile, Flick is expected to introduce changes within his coaching staff for his next project.
One of the main question marks surrounds former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who has not yet confirmed whether he will remain at the club.
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