Flick not interested in excuses as Bayern deal with busy start

Hansi Flick will not accept tiredness as an excuse for a poor performance as Bayern Munich cope with a hectic schedule at the start of the new season.

The Bundesliga club secured a fourth trophy under Flick on Thursday when they defeated Sevilla 2-1 after extra time in the Super Cup, with that game taking place in Budapest.

However, there was little chance for Bayern to celebrate their latest success considering they are back on league duty on Sunday, travelling to take on Hoffenheim.

Flick understands that playing again less than 72 hours after facing Sevilla is tough, yet expects his players to maintain their usual high standards despite the lack of recovery time.

“We have to see how everyone is together [in training on Saturday],” Flick said. “After that, we will set up the team that can play 100 per cent against Hoffenheim. 

“It is of no use if we always say how broken we are – that’s not my mentality. Even when you are tired, you can perform well. 

“Fortunately, on Sunday we have the opportunity to make five substitutions again, so we will use that.”

Double-Quadruple winners 

Congratulations, legends!  @Manuel_Neuer @David_Alaba @JeromeBoateng @Javi8martinez @esmuellert_#MiaSanChampions #SuperCup pic.twitter.com/yRGachFVxO

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) September 25, 2020

Javi Martinez was the hero against Sevilla, scoring the winner just five minutes after his introduction from the bench in extra time.

The Spaniard’s long-term future at Bayern remains unclear – his current deal expires in 2021 – but Flick is happy to lean on a player whose time in Germany has been blighted by injuries. 

“There is no new information,” he said. “As long as he is here I will continue to plan with him.

“Javi has done a lot for the club. When he was fit, you could always look up left him. He showed that again against Sevilla. That’s how he is known.”

Having missed both the European game and the Bundesliga opener against Schalke, which Bayern won 8-0, Kingsley Coman could be involved this weekend.

The winger underwent a second coronavirus test on Friday after a period of self-isolation, leaving Bayern waiting on the result to determine his availability.

“He did 14 days of cyber training, but if he could play for 20 minutes it would of course help,” Flick said of the Frenchman. “He would be a good option, but we have to wait and see.”