Denmark coach talks about emotional phone call with Christensen after Barcelona return: ‘He was almost in tears’

Denmark coach talks about emotional phone call with Christensen after Barcelona return: ‘He was almost in tears’ Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen has decided to withdraw from Denmark’s squad for the upcoming international fixtures against Portugal and Norway, despite recently returning from an eight-week injury absence. The centre-back featured for approximately 30 minutes in Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid , marking his first appearance in almost two months.  However, the physical demands of returning to competitive football have prompted him to postpone his international comeback, with Denmark manager Brian Riemer revealing how emotional their conversation was. The decision was particularly difficult for Christensen, who remains committed to representing his country but recognises that he needs more time to complete his recovery. Riemer reveals emotional conversation with Christensen Speaking about the defender’s withdrawal, Riemer disclosed that Christensen was devastated by the prospect of missing another opportunity to represent Denmark. “I had a man on the phone who was almost in tears,” the manager admitted, as per SPORT . Christensen returned to action against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The Danish manager explained that the defender was frustrated and disappointed because he genuinely wanted to return to international football.  However, Christensen ultimately acknowledged that he was not physically ready to handle the demands of two international fixtures. “He has assessed that he isn’t ready for that. Consequently, he has withdrawn, concluding that, given his current state, his body isn’t prepared to play two international matches. It truly breaks his heart,” he adds. Barcelona defender prioritises recovery after difficult two years Christensen’s latest injury absence lasted approximately eight weeks, adding to an increasingly frustrating period in his career.  The defender has endured two particularly difficult years because of recurring physical problems, making a cautious approach to his rehabilitation especially important. Riemer acknowledged that Denmark cannot supervise the defender’s recovery as closely as Barcelona’s medical department. Christensen will not play for Denmark in the coming matches. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) “The situation is that Andreas is currently undergoing a rehabilitation process, and joining the national team camp—where we wouldn’t be able to manage that for him—isn’t feasible,” he noted. Riemer respects Christensen’s decision despite Barcelona differences Riemer also discussed his relationship with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, acknowledging that the two do not always share the same opinion on player availability. The Denmark manager explained that he can put pressure on clubs to release international players, but there is a limit when the footballer himself does not feel physically prepared. “There is a big difference between pressuring a club and pressuring an individual. You have to respect the person. Ultimately, it is his decision,” he concluded. Ultimately, Riemer respects Christensen’s decision and wants him to return to his best condition ahead of Denmark’s matches in March.