Criticized by his own supporters

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Hansi Flick got FC Barcelona back on track, but recently they have failed to win twice in La Liga. In the 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad, Frenkie de Jong was back in the starting XI for the first time in the league after recovering from an ankle injury and even led the Catalans onto the field as captain. As in the past, there were whistles from their own fans – Flick has now responded to them.

“Frenkie was injured. And in Belgrade, he received quite violent blows. But now he must regain the confidence he needs. I know it’s important for him to play, » the 59-year-old said before addressing his own supporters. “I like it when the fans support every player. They’re great. We have a good relationship with them, for me it would be better if every player was supported,” including de Jong.

Since his €86 million move from Ajax Amsterdam in the summer of 2019, the Dutchman has been repeatedly criticized for his intention to leave. Since the performance hasn’t been good lately, fans have chosen the 27-year-old as a scapegoat – especially since the start of the season couldn’t have gone better without him. Flick also changed his starting XI again and brought de Jong off the bench in the last two games.

Nevertheless, the former national coach stressed that the midfielder should still play a major role: “It is important for us to succeed. We want to play with the best team we currently have. We align the team accordingly. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t get the minutes he wants and that we want too. But he will come back, I am 100% sure, but it takes time.