Flick, satisfied with Fuente, excuses Raphinha for Australia

In the Bayern dressing room, Hansi Flick answers the question about the international break that has left most of his squad without matches for almost three weeks, while defending the absence of Brazilian Raphinha from the recent call‑up.

The debate over trips to Australia

Flick noted that “we have to reflect whether it was necessary for him to play in Australia, traveling so many thousands of kilometres”. He considered it “incredible” that players have to travel so far for friendly matches, something that, according to him, cannot be organised in Europe because of the Nations League.

Regarding Raphinha, the coach said the Brazilian “has a maximum commitment” and excused him “despite having returned touched”. He quoted the player: “The national team is the national team and for anyone it is the main objective, to represent his country, and that is Raphinha’s mentality and attitude. He always gives 100 %”.

He recalled that when he was in charge of the German national team there were options to play friendlies in Argentina, Brazil or Paraguay, with two or three matches available. Now, according to Flick, “it is impossible” to organise those games because in Europe the Nations League occupies the slots.

He admitted that there is “a lot of pressure on the players” and that the lack of matches prevents other players from resting. “They don’t have games to see other players and give rest to those who have more minutes”, he said, adding that the situation must be accepted.

He concluded that, although “it is not the best way” it is being done, he must “accept it and manage the minutes in my team”, highlighting the challenge of balancing international commitments and the club’s workload.