The match between Barcelona and Celta Vigo, played yesterday, Saturday, as part of the 14th round of the Spanish League, ended in a dramatic draw. Held at the Balaídos Stadium, Barcelona initially led by two goals until the 83rd minute when Celta Vigo staged an impressive comeback to equalize.
Despite the result, Barcelona maintained their position at the top of the La Liga table with 34 points. They currently hold a five-point lead over second-placed Atlético Madrid and a seven-point gap over third-placed Real Madrid, who have played two fewer matches.
According to the Catalan newspaper Sport, German coach Hansi Flick expressed strong dissatisfaction with one of Barcelona’s star players following the match.
Flick is reportedly displeased with Frenkie de Jong, particularly for his lack of defensive effort during Celta Vigo’s second goal. The Dutch midfielder failed to pressure the opposing player, allowing him to score with ease.
The newspaper emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, noting that similar lapses in De Jong’s performance last season contributed to Barcelona’s failure to secure key titles.
Flick’s frustration has reportedly reached a boiling point. The coach allegedly told his assistant that De Jong should no longer play for Barcelona, signaling his desire to sell the midfielder and replace him with a more dependable and dynamic player.
The report further revealed that Barcelona president Joan Laporta had previously warned Flick about De Jong’s tendencies, describing him as displaying a lack of energy and commitment on the pitch.
The fallout from the match has reignited concerns about Barcelona’s squad depth and individual accountability, especially as they aim to maintain their lead in La Liga and compete on multiple fronts. Flick’s criticism highlights deeper issues within the team, particularly regarding consistency and defensive discipline.
As the January transfer window approaches, speculation is likely to grow over potential changes to Barcelona’s roster, with De Jong’s future now under scrutiny.
This latest development underscores the high stakes at the club, as Flick aims to rebuild Barcelona into a dominant force. Whether the coach’s dissatisfaction with De Jong will result in action remains to be seen, but it adds another layer of tension to Barcelona’s campaign.
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