Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Stands by Team Plan Indicating De Jong’s Wait for a Starting Role Continues

Barcelona have won their last four matches since the loss at Stamford Bridge. That game was also the last time Frenkie de Jong started for the team.

De Jong missed two games because he was ill. Since coming back he has not been in the starting lineup and has only played about fifty minutes across two matches as a substitute.

Head coach Hansi Flick explained at a press conference that it is normal for a player to earn his place again after time out, especially with Eric García playing well in midfield.

”As I said before, this is the current situation, and we’ve played well recently with Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Alejandro Balde, and Eric García. Frenkie de Jong was ill and missed two matches, which is why he didn’t play. He needs to recover, and it’s normal that he was out after what happened to him. For me, it’s important that we field our best 11 players to win the three points.

“At the moment we’ve seen Eric as a ‘6’ and he’s done well. Perhaps he needs to continue like that for now. It’s important that everyone recovers well. We’ll decide tomorrow. Eric can play as a ‘6’.”

Flick’s words imply Eric García will likely keep the starting defensive midfield role for the next game against Osasuna. De Jong may need to wait for his chance to start again.

The coach also noted that team recovery and form are key. He said the staff will make final decisions before each match based on who is ready to help the team win.