Reason why Hansi Flick stripped Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona captaincy – report

Reason why Hansi Flick stripped Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona captaincy – report Frenkie de Jong kept playing for the Netherlands despite carrying an injury. He then went on holiday and returned to Barcelona later for medical tests. That sequence did not sit well with Hansi Flick. The Barcelona manager’s response was to temporarily remove De Jong’s captain’s armband, a decision that, according to El Larguero , came directly from Flick rather than the club. It has created an uncomfortable moment for the Dutch midfielder , although the situation is not as simple as a breakdown between player and manager.  Flick remains a fan of De Jong and still sees a role for him once he is fit. The issue, instead, centres on how the midfielder dealt with his injury. Three Netherlands matches became the turning point De Jong was carrying discomfort but continued to play three matches for the Netherlands at the World Cup.  That alone created an unusual situation, particularly because injured players do not always remain with their national teams. He also chose not to undergo surgery , instead managing the problem while continuing to push himself through the discomfort. Frenkie de Jong’s conduct did not sit well with Hansi Flick. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The decision over surgery was ultimately De Jong’s to make, as players have a say in how their injuries are treated, and the midfielder chose a different route. What appears to have frustrated Flick more was what followed. After his international commitments, De Jong went on holiday before returning to Barcelona in August for further medical examinations. From the manager’s point of view, the handling of the situation was not ideal. That is where the Frenkie de Jong captaincy decision began. The aforementioned outlet explains that the temporary removal of the armband was Flick’s own call.  It was not a decision imposed by Barcelona’s hierarchy, nor does it signal that the club has turned against the midfielder. Instead, Flick wanted to make his feelings clear before the captaincy situation is eventually decided through a squad vote. De Jong faces a different Barcelona situation De Jong has been temporarily removed from Barcelona captaincy. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Frenkie de Jong’s injury has kept him off the pitch as competition in Barcelona’s midfield has increased.  Rodri’s arrival has added another option in the same area of the team, meaning De Jong will have to find his rhythm again after recovering. The situation has therefore become more complicated on and off the field. There is the injury to overcome, the captaincy issue to put behind him and a competitive fight for his place once he returns. Still, Flick’s view of the player has not completely changed. The German coach has long appreciated De Jong’s qualities and continues to consider him an important member of the squad. That is why the captaincy decision should be viewed as a warning rather than a final judgement.