Hansi Flick says substituting Lamine Yamal was obvious

“It was obvious that we had to substitute Lamine Yamal,” Hansi Flick said after his team’s win over Betis at La Cartuja on Saturday. The coach explained that the forward had felt something and that the change appeared to be because of a knock. He also said he had not seen the action leading to the 2-2 and could not comment on it. Flick said, however, that he had told the player he was proud of him and his performance.

The coach was especially complimentary about Lamine. He called the forward’s first goal incredible and described him as the best player in the world right now. Flick also noted the pressure on the 19-year-old, while praising his commitment. He called the match very intense and said it had been a fine spectacle for supporters and the football world.

In assessing the win, Flick highlighted his team’s attacking play and intensity. He acknowledged that the match had not been easy and praised Betis, but felt his side deserved to win. He was also pleased with his players’ control of the game and their attitude. The second goal, scored before half-time, was important in his view. Flick stressed the value of practising set pieces and praised the players responsible for taking them.

Flick also described a squad in which players who are not selected can understandably be unhappy. He believes everyone will get chances to play and show what they can do, and praised both the team atmosphere and the high training standard across the squad. He also referred to a “beautiful memory”, while stressing that the ambitions are to win titles and achieve great things.

Ahead of the next fixture, recovery and managing minutes are the priorities. Flick mentioned the situations of Eric, Jules and Gerard as matters to monitor, and said the team had two more days before seeing what happened on Tuesday. He considered it important to win before the upcoming match and said he was proud of the team’s work.