Football

Flick: "The red card changed the Game, but Monaco deserved the win"

Barcelona head coach Hans-Dieter Flick commented on his team's defeat against Monaco in the opening round of the Champions League group stage.

On Thursday, September 19, the Catalan side lost 2-1 away to Monaco after playing with ten men from the 10th minute. This was Barcelona’s first loss under Flick’s management.

"The red card completely changed the match. We tried hard, defended with passion. We made a few mistakes, but we did try to score. We had our chances, but Monaco deserved the win.

We lost, it's okay. I told the players we need to come back stronger, recover for the Sunday match [against Villarreal]. We must give our all and fight for the team. We lost this match, but we will keep fighting.

Monaco played very well [during the second goal]. It’s understandable as they have very fast players. We tried to succeed in defense, but the score became 1-2, and they deserved it," Flick said on Movistar.

Monaco earned three points and sit in 14th place in the Champions League standings. Barcelona, with no points, are in 23rd place.

In the next round, the Catalans will host Swiss side Young Boys. The match is scheduled for October 1.

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