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Flick Blames ‘Lack of Intensity’ for First‑Half Struggles, Credits De Jong’s Right‑Back Shift After 2-1 Win

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Flick Blames ‘Lack of Intensity’ for First‑Half Struggles, Credits De Jong’s Right‑Back Shift After 2-1 Win
Photo: Barcelona’s German coach Hans-Dieter Flick looks on prior the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on November 8, 2026. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP via Getty Images)

Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid on Sunday, keeping them at the top of the table before the international break. German coach Hansi Flick admitted the team lacked intensity, especially at the start of the match. "We have the quality to win these matches. I told you that you have to believe in this team. It’s not easy to win here at Atlético, and the team has done fantastically. We’re here, working every day to win titles, and that’s what we want," Flick said. "We adapted a bit in the second half. In the first half, we weren’t on the pitch in some situations and there was a lack of intensity." Flick made a tactical change at halftime, sending Frenkie de Jong to right‑back. He explained that he had spoken with De Jong before the game about playing the position for fifteen minutes until Bernal tired. "And he said that if the team needed him, he was willing," Flick added. "In the first half we were far from the opponent and couldn’t press effectively. But you play 90 minutes: the first half wasn’t perfect, but the second was. I’m happy, especially for the three points. It was important."

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