Flick demands stronger starts after heavy first-half loss

Flick said the first 45 minutes were not right, that the team did not have the attitude to be competitive in every duel and one-on-one situation, and that “they were much better, (more) dynamic – this is what I want from the team.” The Barcelona boss backed his players to bounce back and challenged them to deliver a unified performance going forward.

“When we play as a team, everyone 100 percent, we have huge quality,” he said, adding: “Defeats happen, but it’s important how you react. This reaction I want to see tomorrow.” After the heavy defeat Flick admitted his side had been taught a lesson by Atletico: “We didn't play very good in the first half as a team.

We had too much distance between everyone. We didn't press how we wanted. In the first 45 minutes or more, we got a lesson. Sometimes it's good in the right moment. Maybe today was the right moment.” He also stressed pride in the squad across the season despite injuries and adaptation.

flick, barcelona, atletico, first half, heavy defeat, reaction, pressing, attitude, team unity, injuries