Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the latest El Clásico has not only hurt their title ambitions but has also stirred unrest inside the dressing room. With the Catalan side now trailing five points behind Real Madrid after just ten rounds of La Liga, frustration among players is beginning to surface — and Frenkie de Jong has found himself at the center of it.
De Jong’s Frustration: “He Didn’t Deliver”
According to sources close to the team, Frenkie de Jong expressed visible anger after the match, criticizing young winger Lamine Yamal for his performance. The Dutch midfielder, who is regarded as one of the key leaders in Barcelona’s midfield, was reportedly upset with Yamal’s lack of defensive contribution during the match, especially in supporting right-back Jules Koundé.
Koundé had a torrid time containing Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, whose pace and skill repeatedly exposed Barcelona’s defensive weaknesses. De Jong was frustrated that Yamal did not track back effectively, leaving Koundé isolated and vulnerable to Real’s relentless attacks. This, he believed, played a crucial role in Barcelona’s downfall at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Pedri Steps In to Restore Calm
As tensions grew in the locker room, Pedri took on a mediating role, stepping in to calm both De Jong and Yamal. Understanding the importance of team unity, Pedri reportedly reminded both players that disagreements should not spill over into internal conflict — especially at such a crucial point in the season. His intervention was aimed at keeping morale intact as Barcelona look to recover from the damaging defeat.
Laporta and Flick Demand Immediate Improvement
Club president Joan Laporta has also made his displeasure known following the loss, urging head coach Hansi Flick to enforce major changes in both tactics and attitude. Reports suggest that the board expects a stronger collective response and more consistency from senior players to stabilize the team’s form.
A Wake-Up Call for Barcelona
The El Clásico defeat has laid bare Barcelona’s issues — not only on the pitch but also within the squad dynamic. While De Jong’s reaction underscores his desire for accountability and higher standards, it also highlights the mounting pressure facing the team.
As Barcelona prepare for their next fixtures, Flick will need to address both tactical weaknesses and dressing room harmony to keep their La Liga ambitions alive. This loss may well serve as a turning point — one that either strengthens their resolve or deepens their crisis.
