Hansi Flick suspended: Who is Marcus Sorg, his temporary replacement?

FC Barcelona will not be able to count on Hansi Flick for the last two league matches of 2024, against Leganés and Atlético de Madrid. The culés will close the year in Montjuïc with Marcus Sorg on the bench, the first assistant of the blue and grana coach this season. Both worked together during two periods in the German national team, with the 58-year-old engineer being the right-hand man of the Heidelberg native during the 25 matches he led the 'Mannschaft'.

Previously, Sorg had performed the same role alongside Joachim Löw and Horst Hrubesch, in addition to coaching the German U-19 team in 2014, winning the European Championship in that category. He then had a brief stint with the U-21 team before making the jump to the senior team under Löw. Against Betis, the Ulm native took charge of the team after Flick's expulsion in the second half. Beyond his methodical rigor, he is a coach with a calm character, accustomed to a low profile.

Full confidence from Hansi Flick in his replacement

In the press conference prior to the match against Leganés, Flick made his confidence in his replacement clear for the next three league matches. "We have good communication. He has a lot of experience and is doing very well here. He knows a lot about football and has quality. I believe in him", commented the blue and grana coach.

According to article 56 of the Disciplinary Code of the RFEF, the Heidelberg native will be able to speak with his players before, at halftime, and after the match in the culé locker room, but during the regulation time he must remain in the stands of the stadium, without giving instructions near the culé bench. Unlike LaLiga, UEFA does prohibit suspended coaches from speaking with their players before or during the match.