HANSI FLICK EQUALS BARCELONA RECORD LONG HELD BY LEGENDARY JOHAN CRYFF

 

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Barcelona’s 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday evening was another statement from Hansi Flick’s side as they continue to set the pace in La Liga.

It was a special victory for Flick as well, as it saw him equal a record that has stood for decades at Camp Nou.

Indeed, Flick has now matched one of the greatest managers in Barcelona’s history.

Flick matches Cruyff’s record

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Flick has now accumulated 59 league matchdays as the leader of La Liga, equalling the legendary Johan Cruyff’s tally during his time on the Barcelona bench.

Flick’s Barcelona continue their domination. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is the speed at which Flick has reached the milestone.

The German has managed just 79 league games in charge to get there, while Cruyff needed 300 matches to reach the same figure during his far longer tenure.

That means 74.7 percent of the league matchdays Flick has overseen as Barcelona coach have ended with the club sitting top of the table.

Among managers who have completed at least one full season in La Liga, nobody comes close. The second on the list is Pep Guardiola, who managed 57.2 percent.

A legendary start

Currently in his third season, Flick has done wonders at Barcelona.

In his first two seasons on the bench, the German has guided Barcelona to back-to-back league titles and built a side that plays with a clear identity and an attacking verve that has captivated supporters.

Now into his third campaign, Flick’s Barcelona show no sign of slowing down. With three wins from their opening three matches this season, the Catalans are once again setting the standard in Spanish football.

Cruyff remains one of the most iconic figures in Barcelona’s history, and being mentioned in the same breath as the Dutchman is a testament to Flick’s impact.

Should the German continue at this rate, surpassing the record entirely is only a matter of time, further cementing his place among the finest coaches to ever grace the Camp Nou touchline.

- Connell Edgar-Jones