Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has on Friday urged the club’s supporters to get behind their side’s players.
This comes after one member of Flick’s ranks, namely Frenkie de Jong, was singled out for harsh treatment on the part of the Barca faithful.
En route to the club’s 3-0 Champions League downing of Brest on Tuesday, midfielder De Jong was introduced off the bench late on.
And, from here, the Dutchman was the target of widespread jeers and whistles on each occasion he touched the ball.
As much came after De Jong was accused of a lack of effort and commitment en route to the Blaugrana dropping two points late on at Celta Vigo last weekend.
Speaking to the media in his pre-Las Palmas press conference on Friday, it therefore came as little surprise when the mounting tensions between the Barcelona fanbase and De Jong was put to Hansi Flick.
And, in his response, the German tactician called for his side’s supporters to treat all of his players the same, by encouraging them when on the pitch:
“I like the fans to cheer on any player, that’s what we expect, the fans are very grateful and we have a very good connection with them, the players give their all and the fans see it, that’s for me the best situation, when a player is supported by the fans.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
