Hansi Flick asks Barcelona midfielder to become a better defensive force after the draw against Atletico Madrid – Report | OneFootball

It’s been a few days since FC Barcelona took on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the semifinals of the Copa del Rey. The Catalan club performed very well and yet, the game ended in a 4-4 draw following 20 minutes of bad football on either side of the game.

It was one of those games that was very difficult to dissect from a Barcelona perspective considering that there were a number of positives and negatives to take away from the game. Ultimately, it’s one you learn from and move on.

After the game, a section of the fan base has blamed Frenkie de Jong for not helping see the game out, although in all fairness to the Dutchman, he had a very good game on the night. It almost feels like the player gets scapegoated whenever there is an unfavorable result.

Now, as per MARCA, Hansi Flick has asked the Barcelona captain to become a better defensive force. The report outlines that Frenkie was not decisive enough out of possession and had a part to play in the second and third goal that the team conceded.

The report states that Frenkie should have fouled Antoine Griezmann in the run in for the second goal after Jules Kounde made a mistake, but had he done that, the Dutchman would have to thread on bare ice all night with a yellow card.

Similarly, the report also mentions that Frenkie did not do a good job closing down Angel Correa in the lead-up to the third goal but again, the Dutchman did the right thing by closing the passing lane. That pass from the Argentinian was largely fortuitous.

Frenkie won the second most duels after Pedri on the night and has been improving very well defensively under Hansi Flick. His anticipation and ball-winning have improved and it is time the fanbase starts putting some respect on his name.

At this point, it largely feels like his contractual situation is not allowing Frenkie to win over the fanbase completely. However, the midfielder has been very good in recent weeks and let’s hope he can continue in a similar vein going forward.