FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has once again stressed the importance of managing Frenkie deJong's reintegration after his injury with the Netherlands national team. During the visit to La Cartuja for the match against Real Betis, Flick explained that the Dutch midfielder “is returning from a major injury” and that the club “will have to manage it” so that he can play regularly again.
Flick, who was very respectful during the team's outing to the Andalusian city, added that medical care has been in place since the beginning of the season. “We have to manage him and he must also be aware that he is returning from an injury,” commented the coach before the game on matchday nine of the 2026-27 League began. The message underlines the caution with which Barça wants to reintroduce DeJong, who has been absent after the World Cup.
The coach also indicated that the priority is for the player to “participate and we give him a few minutes.” "He's back and we're happy about it, but now we have to get him involved and give him some minutes. And we will," Flick said. This strategy reflects the intention for DeJong to gradually adapt to the intensity of the league before assuming a more prominent role.
Regarding the match with Betis, Flick accepted the rival's difficulty without reservation. “Betis is also going through a great moment and the same is happening with my team, so it will be an interesting match,” he said. Both teams, recognized for their offensive style, promise a tactical battle. Flick observed that Betis usually plays very forward and exploits spaces, which makes defense difficult and requires constant vigilance in the last third of the field.
With the season still underway, Barça is looking to consolidate its position in the table while managing the recovery of its key players. DeJong's reintegration will be an important point of attention in the coming games, and the club hopes that his gradual participation will contribute to the collective performance in the League and in European competitions.