Flick highlights Frenkie de Jong’s sacrifice after Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona: ‘I before the match about…’

Flick highlights Frenkie de Jong’s sacrifice after Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona: ‘I before the match about…’Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was delighted after his team secured a valuable 2-1 La Liga victory against Atletico Madrid away from home. The German coach described the result as a ten out of ten, praising his players for responding to a difficult opening period and demonstrating the belief required to win against one of their toughest domestic opponents.Flick’s post-match assessment focused on Barcelona’s improved second-half performance, the importance of their pressing and the contribution of players willing to adapt for the team’s needs. He also addressed the challenges of managing player workloads ahead of another international break.Flick sends strong message about Barcelona’s title ambitionsThe Barcelona manager was particularly pleased with his team’s ability to secure three points in a difficult away fixture. He stressed that his players possess the quality to win demanding matches and reiterated the importance of maintaining belief in the squad.“We have the quality to win these matches.“I told you that you have to believe in this team. It’s not easy to win here at Atletico, and the team has done fantastically. We’re here, working every day to win titles, and that’s what we want,” he began saying.Rather than focusing on the difficulties encountered during the game, Flick highlighted the team’s response to deliver the result.Frenkie de Jong’s willingness to play at full back impresses FlickFrenkie de Jong asked to play as a full-back. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)Frenkie de Jong’s versatility was another talking point during the press conference. Flick revealed that he had discussed a possible temporary switch to full-back with the Dutch midfielder before the match, demonstrating the tactical adjustments he had considered.“I spoke with Frenkie before the match about whether he could play in that position for fifteen minutes at full-back, until Bernie [Brian Farinas] got tired. “And he said that if the team needed him, he was willing. Then we’d bring on Eric.“We were better in the second half. That’s football – a match lasts 90 minutes. I’m pleased – three more points, which is what matters,” he explained.Barcelona’s pressing and player workload remain key concernsFlick identified ineffective pressing as one of Barcelona’s main problems during the opening half. His players gave Atletico too much space, making it hard to apply the collective pressure needed to disrupt them.Barcelona registered an important win over Atletico Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)“In the first half we were too far off our opponents and couldn’t press effectively. But the match lasts 90 minutes: the first half wasn’t perfect, but the second half was.”The equaliser shortly before half-time was also important. Reflecting on the significance of the result, Flick added, “I’m happy, especially with the three points. It was important.”Attention subsequently turned to the international break and the physical demands facing his squad. Flick acknowledged the difficulties of managing minutes when several players leave Barcelona to represent their national teams.“It’s part of our job: there’s an international break now, and the Spanish players are usually not here during those breaks.“Managing playing time is crucial. It’s important that they do the same with their national teams,” he concluded.Source: Mundo Deportivo