Oud-Ajacied Westermann Joins Barcelona as Assistant Coach
In a surprising turn of events, former Ajax player Heiko Westermann has signed on as an assistant coach for Barcelona under the leadership of new head coach Hansi Flick. This news has been reported by Spanish media outlets, marking a significant move for the 40-year-old former defender.
Flick, who was recently appointed as Barcelona’s head coach, has been given the freedom to select members of his coaching staff. Reports from outlets such as AS and Mundo Deportivo suggest that Westermann will play a crucial role in Flick’s team due to his fluency in Spanish, experience playing in Spain, and past collaboration with Flick during their time at the German national team.
Known for his time at Ajax, Westermann joined the Dutch club during Peter Bosz’s tenure. While his on-field contributions may have been limited, Bosz has since acknowledged Westermann’s behind-the-scenes influence on young talents like Matthijs de Ligt.
Following his retirement from professional football, Westermann transitioned into coaching, working as an assistant coach for Fortuna Düsseldorf’s U-17 team and various German youth national teams, including the U-16, U-17, U-18, and U-19 squads.
As Barcelona prepares for the upcoming season under Flick’s guidance, the addition of Westermann to the coaching staff brings a mix of experience, expertise, and familiarity with the Spanish football landscape. It remains to be seen how Westermann’s presence will impact the team’s performance on the field.
In conclusion, Heiko Westermann’s appointment as an assistant coach at Barcelona signifies a new chapter in his coaching career and highlights the growing influence of former players in top-tier football clubs. As fans eagerly anticipate the team’s progress under Flick’s leadership, Westermann’s role is sure to attract attention and speculation in the football world.