Jerome Boateng made headlines this week after arriving at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva training facility, not as a player but to undergo a coaching internship aimed at preparing him for a future managerial career. The 37-year-old, who retired from professional football in September following a final spell with Austrian side LASK, will spend around ten days observing the day-to-day work of Hansi Flick and his staff.
Footage released by the club shows Boateng greeting striker Robert Lewandowski, his former Bayern teammate, and engaging with Flick, under whom he won the historic sextuple with Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 season. According to reports, Boateng recently obtained his B coaching license and intends to complete practical internships to meet the requirements for future managerial roles.
“Welcome to the Ciutat Esportiva, Jérôme Boateng!” Barcelona’s official social media channels posted alongside a short clip of his arrival. Over the coming days, he will observe training sessions, learn about tactical preparation, and study the overall functioning of the team.
Boateng’s move to Barcelona comes after a similar internship at Bayern Munich was cancelled due to significant fan opposition. In October, Bayern stated, “Jerome feels very connected to FC Bayern and does not want FC Bayern to suffer damage due to the controversial discussion surrounding his person,” after supporters launched petitions and displayed banners condemning the club’s decision to welcome him. The protests related to Boateng’s past legal issues, including a 2024 conviction for bodily harm against a former partner, which resulted in a warning, fines, and charitable donations.
The controversy surrounding the former defender extends to his previous relationship with model Kasia Lenhardt, who died by suicide in 2021. Allegations of abuse arose in the aftermath, though legal investigations were ultimately closed due to insufficient evidence.
Despite his complicated past, Boateng now has the opportunity to focus on his coaching education. His time at Barcelona will allow him to observe a top-level coaching setup and learn the methods of a respected manager, drawing on his experience as a World Cup winner and seasoned defender.
The former Germany international will remain in Barcelona until November 30.
