Barcelona, Spain: FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been benched for the UEFA Champions League match against Olympiacos, explaining that the decision was made to protect the Dutchman’s fitness and manage squad rotation during a demanding fixture schedule.
Flick addressed the decision before kickoff, making clear that De Jong’s omission was not due to injury but part of a broader tactical and physical management plan.
“There are no easy matches in the Champions League. You have to play at your highest level,” Flick said. “Frenkie normally plays with a lot of intensity, and we have to take care of him. That’s why he’s on the bench tonight.”
The move comes at a time when Barcelona’s squad is already dealing with a number of injury absences, including Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Joan García, and Raphinha. Despite the depleted roster, Flick has opted to rotate his available players, naming Pedri and Marc Casado in midfield for the Olympiacos game.
The German coach also emphasized the need for precision and discipline in his team’s tactical approach.
“We need to improve certain aspects of positioning and pressure,” Flick explained. “Sometimes it’s just a matter of three or four metres, but those details can make all the difference.”
Flick’s decision to rest De Jong reflects a careful balance between maintaining momentum in Europe and ensuring his players remain physically sharp for the challenges ahead. As Barcelona aim to progress through the Champions League group stage, managing key figures like De Jong could prove vital to sustaining their form throughout the season.
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