Bayern boss Flick laments the departures of Thiago and Coutinho
The two players are expected to leave the Germans after the Champions League
Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick says he can "understand" Thiago Alcantara's desire to leave the club this summer, with the Premier League the midfielder's most likely destination.
"As a person and as a footballer, I can understand Thiago," Flick told Sport Bild. "He wants a new challenge, which in my opinion should be the Premier League."
Flick didn't hide the fact that the Spain international is a "very important player" for the Bundesliga champions. "He gives the team more security," he added.
Meanwhile, Flick made it clear that Bayern will have to strengthen as they lose players of "quality" like Thiago and the loanees Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Perisic this summer.
"We will have to replace them with the same quality," he admitted.
The Bayern coach also warned Atletico Madrid not to take RB Leipzig lightly when they meet in the Champions League this week and praised the "exceptional" work done by compatriot Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain, who face Atalanta.
"He's one of the best coaches in the world," Flick said. "He's had years of success, has incredible quality and deserves all the recognition he gets."
Bayern themselves are preparing for their own European quarterfinal against Barcelona on Friday, with Manchester City against Lyon completing the final eight lineup.
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