FC Barcelona are all set to face off against Chelsea later tonight in the UEFA Champions League away at Stamford Bridge.
It would not be wrong to say that the fixture is a must-win for both teams as they aspire to secure a top-eight finish and direct qualification for the knockouts.
Naturally, the atmosphere is buzzing ahead of the game, and Barcelona have experienced busy hours since landing in London late Monday evening.
Pini Zahavi meets with Flick, Laporta
Now, SPORT reports that Pini Zahavi, the agent of Hansi Flick and Robert Lewandowski, visited the team hotel at midday to meet with the Barcelona coach.
Zahavi, who lives in London, took advantage of his proximity to stop by the hotel and greet his client. The meeting with Flick was cordial and brief, held in the calm atmosphere typical of the hours before a European fixture.
The Israeli agent arrived with two of his regular collaborators, Max Bielefeld and Humberto Paiva, who accompanied him throughout the visit.
Pini Zahavi, agent of Barcelona manager Hansi Flick
Zahavi has strong ties with Barcelona. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Despite being at the hotel, Zahavi did not cross paths with Lewandowski, who was in his room preparing for tonight’s match.
The superagent did, however, meet his close friend and Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, with whom he exchanged impressions for a few minutes in the lobby.
Laporta and Zahavi share an excellent relationship, and every time the agent travels to Barcelona, a visit is customary.
The Blaugrana’s sporting director, Deco, was not present at the hotel at that moment and therefore did not take part in the meeting.
Apart from Flick and Lewandowski, Zahavi also represents talented Barcelona teenager Ebrima Tunkara, who is making all the right noises in youth football, with the club already working to secure his long-term future.