Flick discusses reasons behind Germany’s defeat to Japan

Germany coach Hansi Flick has discussed the reasons behind his team’s disappointing 1-2 defeat against Japan.

Germany fell to a second successive World Cup opening defeat earlier today as Japan came from behind to beat Hansi Flick’s troops 2-1.
In a post-match interview, Germany coach Hansi Flick tried to explain the reasons behind the defeat.

“We’re brutally disappointed at the moment. We were on a good trajectory, had 78 percent possession and deserved to lead. In the second half, we created some good chances, but unfortunately we didn’t take them. Japan were simply more efficient in front of goal,” said the Germany coach.

“We made individual errors that we simply cannot make during the World Cup. We need to defend better and put pressure on the ball in our own half. For both goals, we can and need to do much better in reacting as a team.”

Asked what Germany need to improve for their next game against Spain, who thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 today, Flick said:

“Spain are different opponent and we have another game plan for that match. And we will need to have one. We’re under pressure on zero points but we have brought this on ourselves. We now need to make sure that we have the character to go about things differently. We still need to be courageous, determined and we need the level of aggression that is required at a World Cup.”

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