Hansi Flick unsure of Camp Nou return, answers Frenkie de Jong struggles

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has defended Frenkie de Jong against criticism, saying he needs time to get back to his best. However, he also admitted that the Dutchman is not part of their best team in the process.

Asked about his recovery, Flick was clear that De Jong had to prove he met the demands of the game to get more minutes.

“He is coming back from a long injury, he is doing well and recovering well. He came back three or four weeks ago. It was before the break, he is back, we are helping him and in midfield we have very good players. If we can give him minutes, we will. During training you have to show that you are 100% physically fit.”

It was asked how long it will take before De Jong is back to his best. It seems increasingly difficult for him to get a place in the starting line-up.

“He had a long injury and suffered a serious blow. He tackled it one on one. And this needs to be managed. Now he has to regain his confidence, and I know it is very important for him to have minutes. Now we analyze every game, and what is important is winning. And I want the best possible team tomorrow, and that's how we make decisions. And this is why he might not have as many minutes as he would like, or we would like.”

Some Barcelona fans also whistled for De Jong when he came on for Pedri late in the match against Brest.

“I'm clear about it, I like that the fans support all the players. The fans are fantastic by the way. We have a very good relationship between the fans and the players. When the football players give everything, the fans see it. The perfect scenario for me would be that all players get the support of the fans.”

Barcelona originally planned to return to the renovated Camp Nou tomorrow for the match to celebrate their anniversary, but it now looks like it will be possible.

“I have no information about when it will be possible to return, I am focusing on training the team and preparing for all matches. This is like building a house: the builders don't tell you an exact date. Sometimes the works can be postponed for months. I don't pay much attention to this, if the club says we can come back, then we will come back.”

Today is Barcelona's 125th anniversary and Flick explained that he is happy with life at the club.

“I think this is a fantastic club. Incredible. Since I've been here I've said it and I'm very impressed. I really like that we work with a lot of freedom, we do whatever is necessary. It is a very positive scenario. Also when I walk through the streets of Barcelona, ​​the treatment and the way he talks to me is very kind. Regarding me, my team. It is a great pleasure to work for this club. It is 'More than a club', I can confirm that again.”