Hansi Flick has asked FC Barcelona fans to show their full support for Frenkie de Jong and urged fans to stop whistling the player every time he steps onto the pitch in Blaugrana colours. De Jong is battling to return to full fitness following his ankle injury suffered last April.
When Flick arrived as Barca’s new coach this summer, De Jong was on the bench as he recovered from an ankle injury suffered against Real Madrid in April last season. Since returning from injury, the 27-year-old has made nine appearances in all competitions, including just two starts: one in the Champions League and one in La Liga. Ahead of Barca’s clash with Brest earlier this week, Flick admitted the Dutch international was yet to reach 100 per cent of his capacity.
After starting with the Netherlands and playing 68 minutes against Hungary in their Nations League match during the international break earlier this month, De Jong was released from the squad by Ronald Koeman to allow him to to rest.
Barcelona had to travel to Celta Vigo at the end of the break and led 2-0 until the 84th minute. However, the hosts came back to life in the final minutes of the match as they scored in the 84th and 86th minutes to equalize and prevent the La Liga leaders from claiming all three points.
Flick raises his voice
Supporters criticized De Jong on social media for his lack of vigilance during the action which allowed Celta Vigo to equalize at Balaidos. Against Brest on Tuesday, he came on in the 88th minute in place of Pedri and received a negative reception, with the Barca faithful booing the player.
“ We support him and in the center we have a lot of midfielders, so I have to decide if the players are 100% fit and I will come back to him when he is,” Flick told reporters (via AS). “ The situation is as follows: he has playing time and he is progressing. I will give him playing time, in training he must show that he is 100% physically.
“I’m clear, I like the fans to support all the players,” said Flick said. “ The fans are fantastic, by the way. We have a very good connection between fans and players. When players give their all, the fans see it. The perfect scenario, for me, would be for all players to have the support of the fans. »
