Flick Challenges De Jong as Eric García Seizes Barcelona Midfield Role

The coach casts the reshuffle as merit-based competition, with García’s form keeping him at the base.

Overview

Hansi Flick said Frenkie de Jong "needs to improve" to reclaim a starting place after recent absences and limited minutes.
Flick praised Eric García’s performances as a No. 6 and suggested he could continue in that role for now.
Barcelona have won four straight since De Jong’s last start at Stamford Bridge, reinforcing the case to maintain the current setup.
De Jong has been sidelined by illness, a family matter and a suspension and has recently featured only as a substitute, including entering on 66 minutes against Eintracht Frankfurt.
García, widely described as one of the team’s most consistent performers, signed a contract through 2031, signaling long-term trust in his midfield deployment.