Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick admits there's some disappointment seeing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp win FIFA's Coach of the Year ahead of him.
Klopp was given The Best title last week after last season's Premier League title triumph. In contrast, Flick guided Bayern to five trophies, including the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup.
Indeed, the Bayern coach was regarded as favourite for the gong and even Klopp confessed surprise at him taking the title in the aftermath. The German oversaw the Reds' Premier League title success in 2019-20, ending a 30-year wait for a top-flight championship. He finished ahead of Flick in the voting, with Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa in third place.
Asked about the award, Flick confessed there was some upset after being overlooked.
Quoted by Sport-Express, he remarked: "We always accept the result as an athlete. Klopp deserves this award, as does his entire coaching staff. Just as my coaching staff deserved it.
"Life goes on. Of course, we were a little upset, but that's okay."
Flick stepped up from an assistant's position to take charge of Bayern last season after the dismissal Niko Kovac. Initially given to the end of the season, Flick was handed a new contract to 2023 before victory in the Champions League final against PSG.
The former Bayern midfielder, 55, added: "When you get into the top 3 (of nominees), you always want to win."
- updated December 21