Barcelona star admits ‘I don’t want to get used to being a substitute’

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Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has this weekend opened up on his intention to wrestle back a starting place in Hansi Flick’s XI. Midfielder De Jong is for his part…

Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has this weekend opened up on his intention to wrestle back a starting place in Hansi Flick’s XI.

Midfielder De Jong is for his part yet to take to the pitch on a single occasion this season. After suffering a serious injury whilst at the World Cup, the Dutchman was put through a lengthy recovery process in Catalunya’s capital.

De Jong has since regained match fitness, now considered back at the disposal of manager Hansi Flick.

And yet, despite taking his place on the bench for Barcelona’s last two fixtures, the former Ajax man was not afforded a single minute of playing time.

This comes owing to the eagerness of the Blaugrana’s coaching staff to avoid a setback, but also as a result of the summer signing of Rodri from Manchester City.

Speaking during an interview with Mundo Deportivo this weekend, De Jong was therefore drawn on his lack of playing time. And the 29-year-old went on to admit:

> “I don’t want to get used to being a substitute. But of course I understand the current situation, especially after a long absence from the pitch. I know that the return must be gradual, and that I’m not going to start matches directly, but in the long term I want to play consistently.”

> De Jong: "No quiero acostumbrarme a ser suplente. Pero por supuesto que entiendo la situación actual, especialmente después de una larga ausencia de los campos. Sé que el regreso debe ser gradual, y que no voy a empezar los partidos directamente, pero a largo plazo quiero… > > — Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) October 24, 2026

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