Hansi Flick defends €60m Barcelona player, urges fans to offer full support | OneFootball

Hansi Flick’s time at FC Barcelona has been largely positive. It’s not just that the team’s performances and results have improved, but beyond that, the German coach has taken individual players to a whole new level.

The likes of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Jules Kounde have taken a step forward in their game and have been performing exceptionally well. Flick has also managed to boost the confidence of players like Inaki Pena who seems to be performing at a high level these days.

However, one player whose fortunes seem to have taken a turn for the worse in recent days is Frenkie de Jong. Aside from his exceptional second-half cameo against Real Madrid, his recent performances have left much to be desired.

Yes, the Dutch midfield star is returning from a long-term injury. Not everyone is like Gavi, who bounced back as if he had never suffered an ACL injury. However, for various reasons, Barcelona fans are not as willing to give Frenkie de Jong the same leeway.

However, what matters is that Hansi Flic, as quoted by SPORT, has expressed confidence in Frenkie de Jong returning to his best. The coach said:

“De Jong has gone through a long injury and took a heavy blow in Belgrade, which was very painful, and that has to be managed. Now he needs to regain his confidence.”

“I know that it’s very important for him to get minutes, but we analyze each match, and the important thing is to win. I want the best possible team, and that’s how we make decisions. And this is why he may not have as many minutes as he would like or as we would like.”

The German coach also called on the fans to stop criticizing the players and asked them to support those who wear the jersey. Flick continued:

“I am clear about this: I like the fans to support all our players. This is what I would like the fans to do, as they are fantastic. We have a good connection between the fans and the players. When the players give their all, the supporters see it. The best thing would be for all players to have the support of the fans.”

Photo Credit: The Official Website of FC Barcelona

Against Brest, some Barcelona fans at Montjuïc booed when Frenkie de Jong was brought on. There is a noticeable tension between the Dutch midfield star and the club’s supporters for various reasons, and it doesn’t seem to be easing anytime soon.

Frenkie has two potential paths to win back the fanbase. He can either do so through his performances on the pitch or by making an effort to sign a new contract with the club under more favorable terms.

Regardless, as long as he represents the club, it is up to the fans to offer their support for the €60m-rated Dutch star. Let’s wait and see how it unfolds.