Barcelona head Hansi Flick he was firm in his assessment of his loss to Hi but he supported his players full time.
La Blaugrana saw their 100% record in La Liga end with seven wins from the start of the season. as they fought in Pamplona.
A 2-0 deficit at half-time had Flick's side on the back foot and they were unable to regain control to overcome the hosts.
Flick's decision to rest a host of players was the main talking point before the game with 17-year-old star Lamine Yamal one of those left on the bench by the former Bayern Munich coach.
Post-match criticism was inevitable, but Flick is keen to defend his young team as they prepare for a demanding run of games in the coming weeks.
“You have to accept these types of defeats. We didn't play well. It's my responsibility to protect the players, because they played a lot,” as quoted by Marco.
“I did not expect that we will play like this. I told the team that we must continue. We play on Tuesday, and on Sunday… and we are on the right path”
Barcelona will have little time to recover from the end of their winning run as they prepare to host Young Boys in UEFA Champions League action on October 1 before heading to Alaves next weekend.
Images via Getty Images/One Football
