The Latics had been impressive with goals from FA Cup hero Ben Watson, new signings Grant Holt and Leon Barnett, and stallwart Shaun Maloney rounding off a fantastic day.
Understandably Flitcroft was a little in awe of the display when he told the Yorkshire Post: “I thought Wigan were devastating. I thought up to the goal going in, we probably had our best spell. I thought we gave them some problems for 10 or 15 minutes of the first half, I really did.
“It was quite a competitive first half and we had a bit of possession, but once the first goal went in we struggled to come to terms with that.
“The second goal after half-time deflated the team and then when Dale (Jennings) was sent off then you’re chasing Wigan with 10 men, and it hurts at times watching your team having to endure that.
“I don’t think as a group they deserved that to happen to them, but it did and we’ll grow strong from it.
“We’ve been well-beaten today but there are still a lot of points to play for.
“I think Wigan have put a bit of a benchmark down today and I’ve told the players if you want to emulate that, then there’s a lot more work we’ve got to do together, and we’ll continue to do that.”
Whilst such kind words are to be appreciated from Flitcroft it must be remembered that the season is long and a 4-0 away win on the opening day does not guarantee promotion back to the top flight.
Complacency must be avoided as there will be more difficult tests, not disrepect mean to Barnsley, along the course of the season. But for now there is no harm in basking in the aftermath of a nice opening day victory.