The midfielder has played just 45 minutes for Barcelona since early March, worsening a pre-existing ankle issue during an El Clasico loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in April. Despite being initially named in the Netherlands squad, he also missed Euro 2024 due to this injury.
However, Hansi Flick has now included De Jong in a matchday squad for the first time since he took over. The Dutch international has been named in the 23-man roster to compete against Swiss Pro League team Young Boys at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companiess in the Champions League.
In a press conference, Flick expressed his excitement about using De Jong in the match.
“This is super good news to have Frenkie back with us, whether it’s for five or 10 minutes, he’s very important for us,” the coach explained.
“Frenkie’s attitude is great, he’s been involved with the team, he’s been willing to help the team, we needed his presence.” He’s gonna be ready, not to play 45 mins but 20 or 10, and it will do him a lot of good.”
De Jong’s return comes at a crucial moment for Barcelona, dealing with an injury crisis early in the 2024/25 season. In addition to the 27-year-old’s absence, Flick has also had to cope without Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Marc-André ter Stegen.
Midfielders Olmo, Fermin, and Gavi might return sooner rather than later. Gavi is currently back in training following an ACL injury.
Xavi Seen Shouting in Barcelona’s Dressing Room
It has been several months since Xavi Hernandez was dismissed as FC Barcelona’s manager, and the shift to Hansi Flick has been smooth and thrilling. The German coach has performed exceptionally well during his initial months at the club.
While Flick has been impressive, it’s important to acknowledge the foundations Xavi established during his tenure as coach of the Catalan club. He provided the German coach with a solid team that Flick aims to elevate to the next level.
Nearly nine months after the incident, a clip has surfaced in the Barca One documentary, as reported by SPORT, showing Xavi Hernandez raising his voice in the dressing room during halftime of the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against CA Osasuna.
At that moment, the score was 0-0. Barcelona lacked urgency and relied on Iñaki Peña’s heroics to go into halftime without conceding. Xavi was frustrated by the team’s performance, and here’s what he expressed:
“Guys, Madrid is waiting for us in the final. This is what it’s all about, eh? This is it, guys. It’s mobility. It’s ‘I want it now’. It’s ‘go at it again, go at it’. And he plays, damn it. We lack soul, guys.”
The Spanish coach continued his tirade, urging players to adopt quick, one- or two-touch football to penetrate the opponent’s defense. He stated:
“It’s not about colliding. No, lads, it’s not about colliding. It’s about playing. In one or two touches, he goes, and I support him. We’re stopped. It’s the body language. ‘Give me the ball, he goes.’ ‘Come on, Gundo,’ he goes, jumps, come on, ‘he’s here alone.’ Let’s all go out there at full speed.”
That night, Xavi’s passionate halftime speech appeared to have a significant impact. Barcelona won the match 2-0 to reach the finals, ultimately losing to Real Madrid. Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal scored during the game.
While Xavi was impressive at Barcelona, particularly during his first six months and the title-winning campaign that followed, it seemed like he faced a glass ceiling. Hansi Flick has taken the same group of players and enabled them to play a more liberated style of football.
On the other hand, Xavi will forever be remembered by Barcelona fans for his remarkable results, particularly during his first 18 months at the club. He is a club legend and will always hold that status, and he will undoubtedly be pleased to see the team thriving under Hansi Flick.
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