Over at FC Barcelona, everything always comes with expectations and demands from the club’s surroundings. Whether it be the media’s daunting opinions or the voice of the fans themselves, the team is always expected to perform. Yet, at times, even performing well does not seem to save Barcelona from unwanted interactions.
In their most recent outing in the UEFA Champions League, the Catalan club ended up emerging victorious against French side Brest with a 3-0 scoreline. Moreover, even the players themselves ended up putting in great displays and it was evident through the reception that most of them got.
That was the case until the 88th minute, however, when a rather cold greeting from the fans at the Montjuic Stadium was aimed towards a certain incoming player. As highlighted by SPORT, that player was none other than Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who replaced Pedri and came on for the final few minutes of the game.
However, the substitution itself was a showcase of the great contrast in how the fans treat a beloved player and how they respond to someone they do not necessarily approve of at any given point. Pedri, after a masterful display, received a standing ovation from the Barcelona fans as he came off.
De Jong, on the other hand, was whistled and received boos from the same crowd as soon as he replaced Pedri in the Champions League outing. Moreover, even when he received the ball and had it in his possession, the Dutchman was jeered and received a rather harsh welcome from the club’s supporters.
Things got so frustrating, however, that even Hansi Flick reportedly stepped in. He turned towards the Barcelona fans and was clearly distraught with them for the way they were receiving the midfielder, who also happens to be a team captain.
While it is true that Frenkie de Jong has been struggling this season, both in terms of finding consistency and also in dealing with his recurring fitness concerns, it still does not mean that the fans should completely give up on him just yet.
On the other hand, even his contractual situation remains up in the air right now, but the main focus should be directed toward the football pitch right now as Barcelona aim to regain some semblance of their best form this season.
