Hansi Flick Clarifies Relationship with Frenkie de Jong Ahead of Joan Gamper Trophy
Hansi Flick has addressed speculation regarding his relationship with Barcelona captain Frenkie de Jong, asserting that there are no issues between them. Questions about their rapport have intensified since De Jong returned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup nursing a knee injury.
Reports had suggested that trust had deteriorated between the two following an incident at the end of last season. In response, De Jong publicly rejected those assertions, and Flick has now offered his own clear remarks ahead of the upcoming Joan Gamper Trophy match.
Clear Message from Flick on De Jong
De Jong recently refuted claims about his relationship with Flick, particularly those made by Spanish journalist Gerard Romero. He stated, “Take Gerard Romero, for example. He – the one who started all this – said that I refused to play against Atletico in the Champions League last season. Then he said that my relationship with the manager is very poor, and that’s completely untrue.”
With Barcelona actively monitoring De Jong’s recovery from his knee issue, Flick was queried about the situation during a press conference before the Joan Gamper Trophy. Speaking to the club’s media, Flick made his feelings about De Jong unambiguous.
“My relationship with Frenkie is very good. He’s a very professional player and our relationship is excellent,” he said, adding that they communicate frequently about team matters and upcoming fixtures. Flick emphasized De Jong’s significance within the squad, stating, “For me, he’s an important player because he has immense quality and can contribute a great deal to the team.” This response should help dispel any rumors regarding De Jong’s standing with the manager.
The primary focus remains on De Jong’s recovery and his readiness to return to the pitch, rather than any alleged discord between him and Flick.
Pre-Season Challenges for Barcelona
Flick also commented on Barcelona’s pre-season preparations, which he described as less straightforward than usual. Several players returned late from the World Cup, prompting the coaching staff to adjust their strategies and accommodate a fluctuating roster.
“I think this pre-season hasn’t been like the usual ones. A week ago, we still had eight players joining training, so we’ve had to adapt and manage this situation,” Flick explained. Despite these challenges, the manager expressed satisfaction with the team’s recent progress.
“What I’ve seen over the last week is that the quality has improved a great deal. I’m very pleased with what I’m seeing in training. We’ve got a fantastic team and we’re ready to fight for everything,” he remarked.
With the Joan Gamper Trophy approaching, the match will serve as a final chance for Barcelona to engage with their fans before the official start of the competitive season. Flick noted that this occasion is particularly meaningful as it marks the team’s first home match at the Spotify Camp Nou in front of their supporters.
“It’s also very special for me because it’s the first home match with the fans,” he concluded. “Last season we won all our home matches, and that was very important for us. The fans’ support was fantastic, and now we need their passion, their energy, and their support once again.”
Hansi Flick has moved to end the speculation surrounding his relationship with Barcelona captain Frenkie de Jong, insisting there are no problems between the two.
Questions over De Jong’s relationship with the Barcelona manager have grown since the Dutchman returned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying a knee injury.
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One report even claimed that trust between the pair had broken down following an incident towards the end of last season.
De Jong has already hit back at those claims publicly, and Flick has now offered an equally clear response ahead of Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy clash.
Flick makes his position on De Jong clear
De Jong recently went on the offensive when addressing reports about his relationship with Flick, particularly claims made by Spanish journalist Gerard Romero.
“Take Gerard Romero, for example. He – the one who started all this – said that I refused to play against Atletico in the Champions League last season.
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“Then he said that my relationship with the manager is very poor, and that’s completely untrue,” he added.
With Barcelona continuing to monitor De Jong’s recovery from his knee problem, Flick was asked about the situation before the Joan Gamper Trophy.
Speaking to the club’s media, the Barcelona manager left no doubt about how he views his captain.
Flick has addressed his relationship with Frenkie de Jong. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“My relationship with Frenkie is very good. He’s a very professional player and our relationship is excellent.
“I always speak to him, including about what’s going on around the team and the next match. We talk a lot,” he said.
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Flick then went a step further by stressing De Jong’s importance to his Barcelona plans.
“For me, he’s an important player because he has immense quality and can contribute a great deal to the team.”
That should put to rest, at least from the manager’s side, the suggestion that De Jong has lost Flick’s confidence.
The immediate concern remains his recovery and when he will be ready to return, rather than any supposed problem between player and coach.
Flick pleased with Barcelona’s pre-season
The manager also admitted that Barcelona’s preparation for the new season has been far from straightforward.
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Several players returned late following the World Cup, forcing the coaching staff to adapt their plans and manage a constantly changing group during pre-season.
“I think this pre-season hasn’t been like the usual ones.
Flick is pleased with the performance of his players in the pre-season. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
“A week ago we still had eight players joining training, so we’ve had to adapt and manage this situation,” explained Flick.
Despite those complications, the Barcelona boss is pleased with the progress made in recent days.
“What I’ve seen over the last week is that the quality has improved a great deal. I’m very pleased with what I’m seeing in training.
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“We’ve got a fantastic team and we’re ready to fight for everything.”
The Joan Gamper Trophy will now offer Barcelona a final opportunity to connect with their fans before the competitive campaign begins.
For Flick, the occasion carries extra significance because it will mark the team’s first home match in front of the fans at the Spotify Camp Nou.
“It’s also very special for me because it’s the first home match with the fans. Last season we won all our home matches and that was very important for us.
“The fans’ support was fantastic and now we need their passion, their energy and their support once again,” he concluded.
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