After Barcelonaβs 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in MontjuΓ―c, Hansi Flick now faces a significant challenge: the ClΓ‘sico against Real Madrid at the BernabΓ©u this Saturday. BarΓ§a secured a remarkable win against the Bavarians during the third round of the Champions League, showcasing exceptional performances from their players.
According to the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Flick is contemplating his starting lineup for this crucial match, and it appears he has already decided that Frenkie de Jong will not start. De Jong’s situation has been difficult since Flick took charge, as he hasnβt been able to fit into the coachβs tactical setup, which has favored a different midfield combination. With Marc Casado’s strong performances in recent games, he has emerged as a key player in maintaining the team’s balance.
On the other hand, Pedri remains an indispensable player for Barcelona, and his impact on the team’s style of play is clear. Following his standout performance against Bayern, his starting position is secure.
Frenkie de Jong’s situation, however, is more precarious. Despite being a key player for Barcelona in recent seasons, he has struggled to fit into Flickβs system. The German coach favors a more dynamic and physical midfield, which De Jong has not consistently delivered in this setup.
While De Jong still holds value for the team, his role has shifted, and he may find himself on the bench for crucial matches like the one at the BernabΓ©u. As the ClΓ‘sico nears, it seems Flick has largely settled on his starting lineup, with indications pointing toward De Jong starting as a substitute.
