'We have to find the right balance'

Two games, two wins, six goals for and none conceded – the record of Hansi Flick as coach of FC Bayern looks good after the first two games. Up to the winter break, the 54-year-old now has the opportunity to build on that success. "I'm convinced: We have full confidence in Hansi Flick!" said chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge at last week’s AGM where he confirmed Flick would be in charge of the team at least until the winter break. Ahead of the next match at Fortuna Düsseldorf on Saturday, fcbayern.com talked to the 2014 World Cup winner.

The interview with Hansi Flick

Hansi Flick, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge officially announced at the AGM that you will remain coach of FC Bayern at least up to the winter break. When he said, "We have full confidence in Hansi Flick," there was great applause from the members. How did that feel?
Hansi Flick: "Of course, it was great to hear the fans were behind me. I'd already experienced the confidence of the management."

How do you see your first two games as the Bayern coach?
Flick: "Very positive of course – the 4-0 win against BVB was great and a huge relief because we were in a difficult situation after the departure of Niko and Robert (Kovač, ed.). Our fans also played a big part in that performance. The way they drove us on in the game, and how the team sparked off the supporters, was an absolute highlight."

How has your daily routine changed since you were promoted from assistant to head coach?
Flick: "Obviously, my area of responsibility is different so a number of things have changed. But I have a great team around me. And the players also make it easy for me. It's great fun being able to work, day-in, day-out, with the top quality we have in our squad."

There are eight games left before the winter break. What is your focus: on stability in defence or attacking football?
Flick: "Both are important. We have to find the right balance and build on the game against Dortmund. That involves a certain risk in creating chances. But we can't afford to forget how to defend. The challenge is that we can't pick up too much in this phase of the season because the fixture list up to Christmas is so packed. And now ahead of the Düsseldorf game, I've only had the full squad together on Thursday. And on Monday it's straight on to Belgrade."

How do you want to approach the game in Düsseldorf?
Flick: "All the coaching staff have taken a really good look at Fortuna and we know exactly how we need to play. In general, we used the international break well and discussed our next opponents. The plan is to recognise the similarities between the different teams to then be able to work on several games in planning training."

How do you expect Fortuna to play?
Flick: "Düsseldorf have a good defence and are very compact. Then main quality is in transition play. It can be dangerous if they get the space. And they are impressively efficient."