THE FUSE

The sudden loss of Kounde forced Flick into an immediate tactical realignment. Having started the evening with Joao Cancelo on the left side of the back four, the German tactician moved the Portuguese international over to his more natural right-back slot to fill the void left by Kounde. Balde was introduced to occupy the left-hand side, a move that provides more natural width but lacks the defensive solidity Kounde offers in transition. Before the game had even begun to settle into a rhythm, the manager's pre-match comments about tactical discipline were put to the ultimate test. The medical department will now conduct a series of tests to determine the exact extent of Kounde's calf injury, but the initial signs suggest he could be set for a spell in the treatment room alongside several other first-team stars.