In This Photo: Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona reacts during the Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on February 09, 2020 in Seville, Spain.
(Feb. 8, 2020 – Source: Getty Images Europe)
FC Barcelona player, Frenkie de Jong spoke to the Barca TV+ in an exclusive interview. The Dutch midfielder is feeling fit and ready for the game against Napoli this Saturday at Camp Nou. The player talks about his injury, Champions League, and more.
Personal feelings
“I’m feeling good with a lot of positive energy. I’ve recovered well from the injury and am feeling fit. The break was good for the whole team. We’ve recharged our batteries. It was nice to get some rest and get our energy back.”
The injury
“I was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t play but I have prepared well for the next few games and feel ready for the one against Napoli.”
Champions League
“I’m always motivated, but the Champions League is clearly very special. I don’t feel under more pressure now that I’m at Barça, it’s the same in every game. In a single-legged game the smaller teams have a bigger chance of springing a surprise. Of course, we need to win at all costs, but playing games over one leg is harder because anyone can shock you. But it’s a new thing for everyone, nobody has played with this format before, and all the teams that are going will be going because they deserve to be there.”
Napoli
“Napoli has some top quality players and they’re very well disciplined. I’m sure it’ll be a difficult game. All Champions League games are, but we need to make sure we make it into the next round.”
The first leg
“We found the first leg hard going. We had a lot of players behind the ball and it wasn’t a great result, but I’m confident we can play better now.”
Preparations
“We have had more time to prepare for the game while they are still in the rhythm of playing games, so it can be read two ways. During the season, you only have two or three days to get ready for a game, and this time we have had two weeks.”
Absentees
“Busquets and Vidal are two fundamental players and they’ll be missed. But in our team, all the players are of top quality.”
Empty Camp Nou
“It’s a bit of an odd situation, even more so in the Champions League, where you really feel the presence of the fans. But there are four games left to win the trophy. Every game is decisive, and that makes it harder.”
