Hansi Flick explains why Marc Casado starts ahead of Frenkie de Jong for Barcelona vs Real Mallorca

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Frenkie De Jong of FC Barcelona with the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Oviedo at Spotify Camp Nou on January 25, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has explained his decision to start Marc Casado over Frenkie de Jong in midfield for Saturday’s La Liga clash with Real Mallorca.

De Jong has been in excellent form this year for the Catalan giants but has been left out of the starting XI for the match at Camp Nou.

Flick admits that it’s not strictly a tactical decision as De Jong is struggling physically. He told Movistar: “Frenkie wasn’t 100%, so we’ve decided to put him on the bench.”

Barca are already without Pedri and Gavi for the match against Mallorca, along with Raphinha who will hopefully return in midweek.

Casado is joined in midfield by Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez, with Flick going with Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford in attack.

Barcelona know that victory on Saturday will see them extend their lead at the top of the table to four points ahead of Real Madrid’s clash against Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday night.

Source: barcablaugranes.com