The German coach was particularly pleased with the attacking fluency on show and the contribution of several key players, including Lamine Yamal, who was substituted for only the fourth time this season.
The German coach was particularly pleased with the attacking fluency on show and the contribution of several key players, including Lamine Yamal, who was substituted for only the fourth time this season.
“When you score two goals, it’s easier to go out,” Flick said after withdrawing Yamal.
“I spoke with him at half time. For us, that he has the confidence back with the one vs. one situations, more time and minutes in the second half, but it also important he has less minutes.”
“For Lamine it was a great game, but it was good to see the level of the attack: Fermín, Rapha,” he added.
“This is what I want to see after these two defeats. How we react, it was good and in the right way.”
With four centre-backs unavailable, Flick was forced into improvisation at the back, prompting him to turn to midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Brian for defensive cover.
“At the moment we have to think different. Four defenders are out in Xavi Espart, Andreas [Christensen], Jules [Koundé] and Eric García,” Flick explained.
“Hopefully some will come back, but we don’t know when yet. So I asked Frenkie if he’s able to play there; he said ‘Yes, when I can help the team I will do it.’
“The same with Brian. I don’t know if he ever played [at right-back], maybe in La Masia, but he also played a good level.
“I am happy for him. He deserved these minutes, this game. He is focused, top in training, very professional. This is what we want from him and the players.”
Flick was especially impressed by Brian’s understanding with Yamal on the right flank.
“You could see he is connected with Lamine. It’s very important. He helped us a lot today playing this position,” he continued.
