Frenkie de Jong was initially set to start for Barcelona last Sunday, as confirmed by his coach Hansi Flick. The Dutchman was preparing to return to the starting lineup but didn’t feel completely fit.
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The anticipation surrounding Frenkie de Jong’s return to Barcelona’s starting lineup against Sevilla last Sunday was high, especially after months of being sidelined with injury.
Spanish media had confidently predicted that the 27-year-old Dutchman, who had already made two substitute appearances, would be back in the starting eleven. However, those expectations were dashed when De Jong was left on the bench and did not feature in the game. As fans and pundits speculated on the reason behind his absence, Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick, addressed the situation in a press conference ahead of the club’s crucial Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.
Flick explained that while the plan had been for De Jong to start against Sevilla, the player himself didn’t feel completely fit to play. "Our plan was for him to start on Sunday against Sevilla, but he didn’t feel completely right," Flick said, emphasizing that the decision was made out of caution, given De Jong’s recent return from a long injury layoff. With important matches ahead, including the showdown with Bayern Munich, Flick clearly prioritized De Jong's long-term fitness over immediate involvement.
Looking ahead to the Bayern Munich clash, Flick hinted that De Jong might make his return to action in this critical Champions League fixture. However, the coach refrained from confirming whether De Jong would start or come off the bench, keeping the element of surprise alive. "Except for Eric Garcia, who was injured during the warm-up against Sevilla, everyone is ready," Flick mentioned, expressing satisfaction with the overall availability of his squad. The absence of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury earlier, was also a notable blow, as he remains out for an extended period.
For Flick, the upcoming game against Bayern Munich holds special significance. Not only does he face a club where he spent a significant portion of his playing career, with over a hundred appearances, but it’s also a team he knows intimately as a coach. During his time in charge of Bayern Munich, Flick led the team to two Bundesliga titles and an unforgettable Champions League victory, solidifying his place in the club’s history. Reflecting on Bayern’s legacy and style, Flick remarked, "Bayern always has a dominant style of play, and this year is no different. You can see it in the way they play and press their opponents. They can impose their style on any team, that's how it has always been. It’s their DNA."
His admiration for Bayern Munich, though, does not diminish his competitive spirit or desire to challenge his former club. "Bayern Munich is a team that plays very well, has confidence, and possesses excellent players. We want to measure ourselves against the best, and Bayern is extraordinary." Flick’s respect for Bayern’s capabilities highlights the challenge that lies ahead for Barcelona, but also his readiness to embrace it. Under his leadership, Barcelona will be looking to break the pattern of recent disappointments against Bayern Munich.
The specter of past meetings between these two European giants looms large. Flick was at the helm when Bayern Munich delivered an 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the 2020 Champions League quarterfinals, a defeat that remains one of the heaviest in Barcelona’s modern history. Since that infamous night, Barcelona has continued to struggle against the German side, suffering several more decisive losses in subsequent encounters. Despite this painful history, Flick was quick to dismiss any notion that past results would affect the outcome of this match. "The past is worthless. It’s about the here and now. We can’t change the past, but we can change the future," he stated confidently, shifting the focus toward the present challenge.
This game offers Barcelona an opportunity for redemption, but it also poses one of their toughest tests of the season. Bayern Munich, with their well-established dominance and a squad brimming with talent, will be a formidable opponent. However, for Flick, the match represents more than just a tactical battle or a chance to settle old scores it’s a personal occasion, facing the club where he achieved so much success as both a player and a manager.
As Barcelona prepares to host Bayern Munich, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on how Flick approaches this tactical chess match and whether Frenkie de Jong will play a pivotal role. De Jong’s fitness and involvement could be crucial in Barcelona’s ability to control the midfield and resist Bayern’s high press, a hallmark of their play under Julian Nagelsmann. Flick’s familiarity with Bayern’s tactics might provide Barcelona with an edge, but the outcome remains uncertain.
This match not only holds significance in the context of the group stage standings but also for Barcelona’s aspirations to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite after several seasons of struggles. For Bayern Munich, it’s a chance to reaffirm their status as one of the most consistent and feared teams in Europe. The stakes are high, and both sides will be eager to seize control of their Champions League destiny. With Flick at the helm, Barcelona will hope to write a new chapter in their rivalry with Bayern, one that breaks free from the painful memories of the past.
Updated: 04:57, 22 Oct 2024
