“I am very happy and I really value what we are doing”

Hansi Flick He walked smiling through the fearsome tunnel of the ‘Little Maracaná’ the day before. He had the lesson learned after having already beaten the Estrella Roja in November 2019 at the head of the Bayern (0-6) and that is why he entrusted his team with the mission of going all out from the beginning. The technician of the Barça celebrated the seventh consecutive victory and the third in this Champions League. “The three points are the most important thing for us. It is not easy to win away from home in this competition and we have put in a good performance,” said the German as his first analysis of the match.

After sentencing early and being able to make rotations, Flick He applauded the efforts of his team: “I am very happy and I greatly value what we are doing. “We played very well with the ball and also defended and put good pressure.” Which one He also subscribed to the opinion of Iñigo Martínezwho influenced Movistar + about the team’s mentality: “I agree with him about the fact that we pushed for 90 minutes. It is not easy to be focused the entire game against a team like Red Star.”

Asked why he had told the players at half-time, even with 1-2 on the scoreboard, he reiterated his greatest ambition: “I was very clear. The points had to be added up. Our focus was to win and we played very well. The changes have not changed the scenario.” In this sense, he added: “We have to maintain confidence throughout the season. It is not very easy to train a lot because of the schedule but the best thing is that the team creates many chances and competes against any rival. He likes to do it and always with good performances.”

Flick He emphasized what the objective was to counteract the field factor: “It is always fantastic to play in this type of environment where they support their team. I was already here with Bayern. One of the keys was to have a lot of possession to prevent the Red Star would grow.”

Flick congratulated Robert Lewandowski for his double and said he was unaware that he has 99 goals in the Champions. “If I had known, maybe I wouldn’t have changed it,” he joked before reflecting on the first of the Pole’s two goals: “The 1-2 score was very important because after the 1-1 score I feared that the team could go behind. If the centenary is better at home? Honestly, I don’t think about these things. We need the players in the best conditions. We play on Sunday again.”

Another protagonist of the night was Jules Koundéwith three assists. The German complimented him: “He is a good example for the whole team. He’s improving a lot this season. He is growing in each of his performances. He is a very professional footballer, always focused on games and training. I really appreciate that he made these assists.”

Regarding the first ownership of Frenkie de Jong In seven months, he said: “It was important for me to play. It gives stability between the defense and the forward.” Finally, regarding the trance of Pau Cubarsiwho received 10 stitches in the face from a kick, Flick He tried to downplay the significance: “They have given him points but he is young”