Nuri Sahin is looking forward to the Champions League clash between his Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona. The Turkish coach also defended benchwarmer Frenkie de Jong, his favorite player at Barcelona.
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Frenkie de Jong’s situation at Barcelona continues to spark debate as the Dutch midfielder finds himself increasingly sidelined in recent weeks.
Despite his undeniable talent and reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation, De Jong has been reduced to a secondary role, making only substitute appearances. His minutes on the pitch have been scarce: fifteen minutes against Celta de Vigo, two minutes against Stade Brest, twenty minutes against Real Mallorca, and a half-hour cameo against both Las Palmas and Real Betis. This pattern has raised concerns about his standing within the team and his relationship with coach Xavi Hernández, whose tactical decisions have often left De Jong out of the starting XI.
As Barcelona prepares to face Borussia Dortmund in a crucial Champions League fixture, expectations are that De Jong will once again start on the bench. This decision, however, has not gone unnoticed, with notable figures in football offering their perspectives on the Dutchman’s value. One of the most vocal admirers is Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin, who shared his thoughts during the pre-match press conference.
Sahin, a former player himself with a deep appreciation for midfield artistry, did not hold back his praise for De Jong. "He is my favorite Barcelona player," Sahin said emphatically. "I’ve had a soft spot for him since I first saw him play for Ajax. He is my favorite midfielder, and I think he brings something truly special to any team he plays for. The club should be very happy to have a player like him." Sahin’s words underscore De Jong’s importance and the widespread recognition he still commands across Europe, despite his reduced role at Barcelona.
The Dortmund coach’s admiration stems from De Jong’s time at Ajax, where the midfielder’s calmness on the ball, intelligence in controlling the tempo, and ability to glide past defenders with ease set him apart. At just 26 years old, De Jong remains in the prime of his career, and his technical skillset aligns perfectly with the style of play Sahin values. Sahin’s comments have reignited questions over whether Barcelona is fully utilizing the Dutchman’s abilities or if his marginalization is a reflection of deeper tactical challenges within the squad.
While Sahin’s praise for De Jong captured headlines, the Dortmund coach also made it clear that his team is ready to face Barcelona without any fear. Speaking confidently, Sahin stressed that there is no clear favorite for this fixture. "There is no favorite here," he said. "We are on the same level. We are tied in the standings, and we are here only to win." Sahin’s statement highlights Dortmund’s growing confidence under his leadership. The German side has enjoyed a strong campaign so far, and their ability to compete on equal footing with Barcelona reflects their progress as a team.
However, Dortmund will have to overcome significant challenges heading into the match, particularly with several key players sidelined. The most notable absentee is Niklas Süle, who suffered a serious ankle injury on Saturday. Sahin provided a somber update on the German defender’s condition. "Unfortunately, we don’t have good news. He will be out for months. His injury is quite serious. It’s the same ankle injury as before, and that’s really unfortunate." Süle’s absence is a major blow for Dortmund, as the defender’s physical presence and experience have been crucial to their defensive stability.
In addition to Süle, Dortmund will also be without Julian Brandt, Filippo Mané, and Waldemar Anton, all of whom are unavailable due to injuries or fitness concerns. The loss of Brandt, in particular, will be felt, as the attacking midfielder has been one of Dortmund’s most creative players this season. Furthermore, Sahin confirmed that Maximilian Beier and Karim Adeyemi are doubtful for the match, further complicating Dortmund’s preparations. Adeyemi’s pace and versatility have been key assets for Dortmund, and his absence would deprive the team of an important attacking option.
Despite these setbacks, Sahin remains optimistic about Dortmund’s chances against Barcelona. His confidence stems from the team’s collective strength and their ability to adapt under pressure. Dortmund has shown resilience throughout the group stage, and Sahin believes his players are capable of rising to the occasion. "We are not here to make excuses," Sahin said. "We are here to win, and we believe in ourselves. We know Barcelona is a strong team, but we are ready for the challenge."
For Barcelona, the match against Dortmund is equally significant as they look to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League. However, their inconsistent performances and the ongoing questions surrounding key players like De Jong have cast a shadow over their campaign. Xavi Hernández finds himself under pressure to balance squad rotation while delivering results, and decisions such as benching De Jong have been met with increasing scrutiny.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on how Barcelona lines up and whether De Jong is once again overlooked in favor of other midfield options. For Dortmund, the absence of key players like Süle and Brandt adds to their challenge, but Sahin’s side has already proven their ability to defy the odds this season. The match promises to be an intriguing contest between two teams with much to prove, and for De Jong, it represents another opportunity to remind the footballing world of his immense talent, whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Ultimately, Nuri Sahin’s comments serve as a reminder of the respect and admiration that De Jong commands beyond Barcelona. While his role at the club remains uncertain, his value is undeniable, and performances in matches like this could prove pivotal for both the player and the team moving forward. For Dortmund, the focus will be on overcoming adversity and seizing a crucial victory that could shape their Champions League campaign.
