Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has said he will focus on the positive side of things, following Frenkie de Jong’s injury. The Dutch midfielder is likely to be sidelined until April, ruling him out of a number of key upcoming fixtures, including their Champions League clash with Newcastle United.
De Jong suffered from a muscle strain that will keep him out of action for five to six weeks. The round of 16 in the Champions League, the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid and a tricky draw against Athletic Club all happened in that time.
“We don’t like it when a player can’t play, especially a player at Frenkie’s level, it’s not an easy time, but it also gives us the opportunity to play for other players, I’m focusing on the good.”
“All teams have problems, that’s what we have to manage. We have high quality in the squad and variety to play with. I see it like other players who get opportunities; we focus on what we have.”
Hansi Flick on the future of Barcelona
Flick has reached 100 games in charge of Barcelona, the best statistic in the club’s history. He was asked about this milestone, and whether he has many connections with Joan Laporta, who is currently campaigning to be re-elected as president.
“It is a great honor to reach this number of games. It was a dream for me to coach this club, and I enjoy every day with these players and this team. The launch was a private event, I decided to attend. I don’t have much contact with him anymore because he is no longer the President, but I wish him all the best.”
Under contract until 2027, Flick was asked if he could see himself managing another 100 games.
“Why? I’ve said it before, I appreciate the city, the team and the team. It’s a great honor to be able to coach Barca, and the players are doing a great job. Everyone should be proud of this team.”
🚨 Deco: “PSG and Newcastle United are two very different teams. Newcastle is difficult, and even more difficult in their home field. Against Newcastle we played a good game. If we are at our level, we can beat anyone.” pic.twitter.com/8hLktQL2hH
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) February 27, 2026
Click on changes to late arrival penalties
Earlier in the week, Pedri and Ferran Torres revealed that Flick had changed the penalty for arriving late to team meetings or training. Flick used to bench players who arrived late, and now, the players are fined 40 million euros. He was asked if it was the answer to the group’s decline in form.
“It has nothing to do with that (laughs). I think I can improve a bit as a coach. Before, when I watch, there was pressure because I looked at the clock when there were 60 seconds left and I thought, ‘Let’s see when they will arrive. It’s something I don’t like because it’s pressure for me too, I think it’s better to talk to the captain and leave the decision to them. Since then, no one has been delayed, so I think we made the right decision.”
