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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has opened up on Frenkie de Jong's struggles this season. He has backed the Dutchman to 'regain his confidence' after a long spell out due to injury.
De Jong was out of action from April to October due to injuries, which also saw him miss the UEFA Euro 2024 with the Netherlands. He has now returned to action but has yet to play an entire game for Barca. He has made nine appearances across competitions this season, starting two games. He has played just 262 minutes across those nine appearances.
Ahead of Barcelona's LaLiga clash against Las Palmas at home on November 30, Hansi Flick said about De Jong (via Barca Times):
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"Frenkie has been hit hard with his injury and needs to regain his confidence, we are being careful with him and deciding little by little when to put him in. He will get back to his level, I am sure of it."
De Jong has also been linked with a move away from Barcelona, with his contract expiring in 2026. Since arriving at the club from Ajax in 2019, he's made 222 appearances for the Blaugrana, contributing 17 goals and 21 assists.
Hansi Flick on Barcelona fans jeering Frenkie de Jong against Brest
Barcelona beat Stade Brestois 3-0 at home in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, November 26. Frenkie de Jong came on in the 88th minute to replace Pedri but was jeered by the home fans.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the Las Palmas clash, Hansi Flick said about the incident (via Barca Universal):
“It’s clear to me, I like the fans to support all the players. The fans are fantastic, by the way. We have a very good connection between the fans and the players.
“When the players give their all, the fans see it. The perfect scenario, for me, would be for all the players to have the support of the fans.”
De Jong could be handed a rare start on Saturday with Marc Casado suspended but he will have to compete with Gavi for the position.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are at the top of the LaLiga table after 14 games, four points above Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. The Blaugrana have a defeat and a draw, respectively, in their last two league games and will look to break that streak on Saturday.
