Jérôme Boateng actually wanted to start his coaching career at FC Bayern – but massive fan protests made an internship at Säbener Strasse impossible. Now the ex-Bayern star has apparently found an alternative stage: the 37-year-old is currently at FC Barcelona’s training ground and hopes to work with his former Bayern coach Hansi Flick
While FC Bayern withdrew the guest appearance after significant protests from the South Curve, Boateng has by no means given up on his plans. As the Catalan newspaper SPORT reports, the former centre-back is currently training at the „Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper“ – FC Barcelona’s training center – where he is said to have already met with Hansi Flick, whom he knows very well from their time together at the DFB as well as from the 2020 treble season
Apparently, Boateng will be allowed to use the Catalans‘ infrastructure to keep himself fit after his career ends. At the same time, it is said that he wants to take the opportunity to sit in with Flick and familiarize himself with the coach’s everyday life. The ex-Bayern coach has always been considered Boateng’s supporter – the two have a long history together, which is marked by the 2020 Champions League victory
Jérôme
Boateng s’est rendu aujourd’hui au centre d’entraînement du FC Barcelone – il a rencontré Flick et s’entraînera dans les installations du club pendant plusieurs jours. @sport
– Actualité – Barça (@ActualiteBarca) November 20, 2025
FC Bayern cancel Boateng
The situation in Munich was different. Boateng originally wanted to work under Vincent Kompany, but the fan protests prevented this from happening. Banners in the south curve carried messages such as „Against abuse of power and physical & psychological violence in relationships“. The background to this was the verdict of the Munich I Regional Court in July 2024, which convicted Boateng of intentional bodily harm – although he is not considered to have a criminal record
FC Bayern justified the refusal diplomatically and emphasised that Boateng did not want to harm the club. The ex-professional then publicly thanked the club for their trust and showed understanding for the decision. He wrote on Instagram that the team’s focus under Kompany was more important than any discussion about him personally
Barça opens doors – Flick already gives the green light
Boateng himself had already said in September that he had received Flick’s approval for an internship at Barcelona. The coach is said to have reacted very openly to him – an important stage for Boateng, who is considering a future in coaching. In Barcelona, he also enjoys a calmer environment, far away from the emotionality of Munich and the critical scrutiny of his past
The ARD documentary „Being Jérôme Boateng“, in which the ex-professional talks in detail for the first time about the tragic death of his former partner Kasia Lenhardt, is released at the same time. Boateng is self-critical and admits mistakes in dealing with the situation. The documentary shows a deeply scarred man coming to terms with his past – a topic that continues to weigh heavily on his public perception.