Why isn't Frenkie De Jong a starter against Mallorca?

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De Jong
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MD

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The absence of the Dutchman at the beginning is not attributed to a specific setback due to injury, but to a technical decision by the coach. Flick opts for a variation in midfield and places the measure within a physical load planning, with the idea that players with more minutes arrive in better condition for the more demanding matches in the near calendar.

According to this approach, the coaching staff implements a “load management” to avoid excessive wear and tear on key players. The strategy is to introduce a midfield with physical freshness, more dynamic and with arrival, aiming to respond to the defensive order of the Balearic team without losing the rhythm that the team seeks to impose.

In this context, the coach and his staff have reviewed performance and fatigue reports and believe that this is an appropriate time for De Jong to recharge. With a series of important matches on the horizon, both locally and internationally, regulating his effort appears as a priority to avoid untimely injuries.