“For everything we did, we did well and the three points were the most important. Rafinha always adds dynamism to our game. He is very important, because he has a high intensity, and when he starts pressing, it forces others to press too. He needs to be added in the next matches, but it’s great that he’s back.
In the first half we had many chances to score, in the second half too. We have to improve, but I’m happy with the three points. And this is the level of play we can demonstrate.
Will Pedri make it against Atletico? We’ll see after recovery. We don’t have many days. But Pedri is fine, I asked him. And Rafinha too. He showed his dynamism and intensity. I am also happy for Dani Olmo. It has been a tough few weeks for him and he has scored two goals.
Overall, I’m very happy that Rafinha and Pedri are back. It was not easy to distribute playing minutes. Rafinha could only play 60 minutes, Pedri – 30. I’m happy with the three points, but not some moments: we lost the ball too often. However, in general, we controlled the match well.
Withdrawal? I haven’t spoken to De la Fuente and Marcus yet, but I asked the fourth official – he didn’t explain anything to me. I was calm. We communicated well with the fourth umpire. You need to be able to manage such situations. I lacked communication. I am not saying that this is something critical, but it was not enough. I was respectful to the referee. I can handle such moments, but I want clarification.
Gerard Martin? He always gives one hundred percent. He’s confident at centre-back and gives us more options – that’s important. In the staff, we are always thinking about how to help the players become better. A left-footed defender who can give us a lot. It gives us different options. I like his progress – his attitude, his mentality… He works well both in training and in the gym. Very happy to have him on the team.
Joan Garcia? I do not decide whether to call him to the national team. It is not always easy to take a new player, but this is a football player with a perspective. But the decision is not mine.
Marc Bernal? I think today’s step is very positive for him – to spend 45 minutes. This is the first step that gives him confidence. We need all the players. His progress is very positive. I am happy for him.
If we compare with last season, we don’t have that control and intensity. But I don’t care about last season – I have to focus on this. We have more injuries this year, and last year almost everyone was available. We are progressing after every match and every win, and the season is going well – four wins in a row. But this is not enough. We need to improve.
Eric Garcia? He was in pain after the impact. He is fine, but we decided to give him a rest. It was impossible to continue the game with such pain.
Mark Casado? It was not easy for him. He played in different positions. He had to adapt. These changes must be taken into account. He can add, but I am satisfied with him. He gives us control in defense, connects defense with attack, he is smart and clever. We need him at the highest level.
Dani Olmo? I think everyone knows Dani is a fantastic player. Sometimes he wants too much and tries to take the next step without taking the previous one. Maybe he thinks too much – I told him so. I tell him “just enjoy the game because you are a very good player”. And this is the best moment of a football player’s life » when he competes. I loved it too. I say to everyone, “enjoy the moment and be the best you can be.” And that’s what we want from him. “The fans want to see the players perform at their best,” Flick said.
Source: sport.ua