German coach Hans Flick expressed his great happiness with the victory achieved by his team over Newcastle United in the opening of the group stage of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League, confirming that a positive start is important in this continental tournament.

Flick said: "It is very important to start the Champions League with three points in Newcastle. We saw a great performance from the entire team. The atmosphere here was exceptional, and it was not easy to defend, but we controlled the match. I am happy with the way we played and what I saw on the pitch."

The German coach spoke about the atmosphere during the match, saying: "We asked the players to keep our net clean in the first 15 minutes because we know Newcastle's strength in individual confrontations. I think we controlled 64% of possession in the first half, and despite some mistakes, the team had a good match."

Regarding the performance of English forward Marcus Rashford, Flick said: "He scored two wonderful goals, the first with his head was very special, and the second was of the same quality. The most important thing for him is to regain confidence, and we are helping him with that. I am not surprised by what he is doing; I said yesterday that he is an amazing player with great talent. He has excellent skills in finishing attacks. In the first half, he missed opportunities, but in the second half, he took advantage of them and scored. We need a striker like him."

He also praised the efforts of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, saying: "With Pedri and Frenkie, the pressure on us becomes extremely difficult. Both had a great match, and I am happy to see them playing with such confidence. Our team is young, and dealing with conceding a goal is not easy, but we always tried to improve and control the match despite some mistakes. Newcastle has quick transitions, but we defended well."

Speaking about young goalkeeper Juan Garcia, Flick clarified: "I remember many of his saves. His presence in goal is a great asset for us. He performed wonderfully and calmly, and he was like an additional player thanks to his passing accuracy. I am very happy with him; he saved us in crucial moments, and his presence gives us great confidence."

Regarding the upcoming match against Paris Saint-Germain, the German coach emphasized: "The match against Paris is far away now; our current focus is on the match against Getafe on Sunday at Johan Cruyff Stadium. The most important thing for us is to continue with the same spirit."

He also talked about the work within the team, saying: "We are working hard. Frenkie was absent for 10 days and returned today at an excellent level. I have a wonderful team, and everyone gives 100%. When I spoke in the summer about our needs, it was clear that we wanted strong alternatives, and I believe we have the required quality."

Flick concluded his statements about Rashford by saying: "He took an important step by scoring two goals in this difficult stadium. He proved that he is a great player, but he needs more. I talked to him when the opportunity to sign him came, and I told him that I wanted him on my team. He is an extraordinary player, and the team helps him as well, thanks to his speed and ability to finish attacks."