Pep Guardiola magic is coming back to Barcelona! Hansi Flick backed to restore Spanish giants to former glory after replacing sacked coach Xavi

The former Bayern Munich boss is set to replace Xavi in Barca's dugout, with the 44-year-old's last game in charge away to Sevilla on Sunday. Hot on the heels of his sacking, ex-Germany international Matthaus has talked up how good a job Flick could do at the Catalan giants.

He told German publication Bild: "I'm very happy for Hansi. He had been in contact with Barcelona for a long time, the club had put out feelers for him. Hansi was patient and can now go to an absolute world-class club. Barcelona have very talented players and, despite the difficult economic situation, always find ways to make transfers. In addition, there are many gems in the club that Hansi, who is known as a talent promoter, will polish. Barcelona stood for spectacle and great football under Pep Guardiola. Hansi can bring that magic back."

Guardiola's Barcelona side is widely regarded as one of the best teams of all time. They won 14 trophies during his near four-year stewardship between 2008 and 2012 and if Flick - who lifted silverware on seven occasions at Bayern, including a Champions League triumph - can replicate some of that success, they will be onto a winner.

Before Flick's unveiling as Barca boss, Xavi - who took over at the Spanish side two-and-a-half years ago and led them to La Liga success last season - will bid farewell to his beloved club in the final game of the campaign this weekend.