Hansi Flick admitted that Barcelona's hard-fought win over Real Valladolid ruined his plans for a Champions League clash against Inter.
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Flick admitted Valladolid clash ruined his UCL plansBarca came back from behind to beat ValladolidThe Blaugrana will face Inter in the second leg in MilanFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The German coach made nine changes in the lineup that started against Inter in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash in midweek. First-team stars like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal started on the bench as players such as Ansu Fati and Pau Victor were given a chance to prove their worth.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
However, an early goal from Ivan Sanchez derailed Flick's plan to provide rest to his main stars, as he was forced to introduce Raphinha at the start of the second half. Yamal was brought into the game in the first half after Dani Rodriguez sustained an injury. Ultimately, the Brazilian winger scored the equaliser in the 54th minute before Fermin Lopez sealed the fate of the match with a 60th-minute strike.
WHAT HANSI FLICK SAID
Speaking to reporters, Flick said: "I planned for Pedri and De Jong to play just 45 minutes each. But, I would have also liked Raphinha and Lamine to play fewer minutes. I’m not disappointed in anyone. We made nine changes, they’re young, I believe in them. It wasn’t easy. There were some mistakes, quick transitions, but Araujo and Christensen had good games, as did Ter Stegen."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
Fatigue could impact the Blaugrana's performance in the second leg as Flick and his boys are aiming to seal a Champions League final spot in Milan on May 6.
