Hansi Flick's pre-match conference ahead of the game against Atletico:
"We know we're going to play against a big team, with high quality and one of the best coaches. It will be a tough match, but that's how things are. We're now at the top, and that's what we want, but this isn't the end of the season yet."
“We have to play at our highest level against this team. They are one of the best teams in Europe, they have a lot of quality, and they raised that level even more in the transfer market. I like watching them play; they have a very strong attack.”
“It’s always important to be leaders, but we’ve had many injured players. We have to know how to manage that now that we’re at the top of the table. We don’t look for excuses; we just want to give our best. Our objective is to win this big match.”
"I'm happy, and with the players returning from injuries, we can improve even more, and that's the most important thing."
"What is my team lacking? We are making a lot of mistakes. We have the quality to control the match more, and that's what I've been missing in the recent matches. We need to raise this level, as we are capable of doing so."
"My moment with Raphinha? Well, it was a funny thing, I don't know who first described that I was sad in that clip, but I was frustrated, we lost a lot of balls, and I was also frustrated because we got two suspensions from the bench, so I had to turn around every time and ask my team to be calm. When we scored the third goal, Marcus Sorg got suspended. Marcus is my friend, and he's the most important person to me on the staff and part of my family."
"Is Pedri fit to start? Yes he is fit and is an option to start."
“Araújo doesn't have any stomach virus. He's out due to personal problems. I ask you to please respect his situation.”
"Raphinha? He only participated in rondos today but he's ready now to play full 90.”
“It’s the same pressure as last year. At the start of the season I told them it would be harder because everyone wants to beat the champion. We’re leaders, but we’re not at our best level. We need to take steps to get back to playing our best football.”
After coaching Joan Garcia, what's the thing you're surprised most about him? And is he one of the best you've ever coached? |
Flick: "This isn't an easy question, because I was the coach for both Neuer and Marc. Both of them are great keepers. However, I think Joan represents the future, and I've spoken to him about that. From the first day, you can see his qualities, and he demonstrates them in training and matches, and he has a high level as a goalkeeper, whether with the ball or without it, and he's extremely quick."
"I think the club's decision to sign Joan Garcia was right, because he'll give us security for the future, and that's something important."
