De Jong sends clear message to Flick over Barcelona starting place: ‘Don’t want to get used to being a substitute’

De Jong sends clear message to Flick over Barcelona starting place: ‘Don’t want to get used to being a substitute’ Frenkie de Jong has made it clear that he has no intention of settling for a place on the Barcelona bench, insisting that his long-term ambition is to reclaim a regular starting role under Hansi Flick. The Netherlands international, who recently returned from a serious knee injury sustained during the World Cup, spoke to Ziggo Sport ahead of El Clasico . While acknowledging that he must rebuild his match fitness gradually, the midfielder remains convinced he belongs in Barcelona’s strongest team, despite the immense competition for places. “I feel very good and I feel ready,” he said. “The competition is enormous, but that makes it even more interesting for me. I think I have a place there too, and I feel I can play.” De Jong understands the wait but wants his starting place back Barcelona confirmed De Jong’s medical clearance on 15 October , bringing an end to a difficult spell on the sidelines. Having returned to Flick’s matchday squads against Real Betis and PSG, the 29-year-old now faces competition for midfield places as he works towards full match sharpness. Eager to return to the starting XI. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Asked whether he could become comfortable with being a substitute, De Jong was unequivocal. “No, and I don’t want to get used to that. But of course I understand the current situation, especially after a long absence from the pitch,” he said. “I know the return has to be gradual, and that I won’t start matches straight away, but in the long term I want to play consistently. My goal is to return to the starting XI as soon as possible.” De Jong recognises that Barcelona cannot immediately restore him to a full workload, but he wants his return to be a temporary adjustment rather than a permanent change in status. He also clarified where he sees himself fitting into Flick’s midfield, saying: “[I prefer] in the number 6 or 8 position than in the number 10, where I have more contact with the ball.”  Barcelona criticism is familiar, De Jong says The midfielder also addressed the criticism he has faced from sections of the Barcelona fanbase after his injury in the World Cup, suggesting that the debate around his performances often intensifies when he is unavailable. “It has always been like this: most of the criticism, or the commotion, comes when I’m not there, when I can’t play football,” he said. “This time it happened again, and I completely understand where it comes from. I completely understand the fans: they see me playing for the national team and not for the team they support.” De Jong has yet to play a single minute this season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) As Barcelona’s fourth captain, De Jong knows that supporters expect him to be available and influential. “I’m the first person who finds it frustrating, along with the club and the fans, because I want to play. I couldn’t, and the injury turned out to be more serious than we thought. Then all kinds of stories start circulating, and a lot of things happen,” he said. “But now I’m back, I feel fit and strong, and I’m really looking forward to playing again. I’m available to play a few minutes this Sunday too.” That final point offers a potential boost for Barcelona ahead of El Clasico , although any involvement will depend on Flick’s assessment of his fitness and readiness. Champions League remains a major ambition Beyond his immediate fight for a starting place, De Jong remains determined to win the Champions League with Barcelona, a trophy he has yet to claim during his career. “It’s something I still have to achieve in my career. It’s a very important goal, a dream, a desire,” he said. The midfielder believes Barcelona possess the technical quality required to compete for European football’s biggest prize. “I think we have a lot of quality, especially from a technical point of view. Almost every player has a very high level when it comes to the fundamentals of football, and that gives the team a great advantage.” De Jong also recognises that technical quality alone does not guarantee success in the knockout stages, where fine margins and luck can determine a team’s fate. For now, his first priority is to regain his place in Flick’s plans and help Barcelona turn that potential into results.