Frenkie De Jong Talks Busquets, Xavi, Gavi, La Liga Tittle, Barcelona Future
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has managed to turn around his situation tremendously over the course of the ongoing campaign.
The 25-year-old started the season with an uncertain future and without a starting berth in Xavi Hernandez’s first-choice lineup. But, now the Dutchman is one of the most influential players on the pitch for Barça and is seen as a fundamental part of the team.
Having tried to offload him to generate revenue last summer, the Blaugrana have no intentions whatsoever to listen to any offers for De Jong even as he continues to attract interest from long-term suitors Manchester United.
The former AFC Ajax man appeared for an interview with RAC1 recently where he discussed his club future, the new tactical setup employed by manager Xavi and the La Liga title, among other topics. Excerpts from his chat are as follows.
On his future amid Manchester United links: “Last summer I was always calm as I knew I would stay at Barça and I never changed my mind. I always dreamed of playing for Barça and I want to succeed here. I want to continue here.”
On wanting to win the La Liga title: “I’ve never won La Liga, it’s my fourth year here and it’s the closest I’ve ever come, but there’s a long way to go.”
On the season objectives and ambitions: “We are going for as many titles as possible, we have the advantage in the league and the cup and we have a very good team and squad. We are going for both. If we win the three titles in Spain it would be an extraordinary season because there are very good teams, such as Madrid, Atlético…”
On European struggles: “I expected to go much further in the Champions League and in the last two years we haven’t made it past the group stage. We have to do much better and this year we had a squad to do it, so we assume that it was our fault, we hope that next year we will do better.”
On Xavi: “With Xavi I have to continue and improve because every player has room for improvement. Xavi helps me a lot, all the coaches have helped me in some way. With Xavi we look at videos and he helps me.”
On the new system with four midfielders: “This new system benefits me. I’m playing more in the base of midfield, which is where I feel most comfortable. I have more freedom.”
On Sergio Busquets: “He gives the team a lot of peace of mind, he is very safe with the ball and defensively he is much better than people think. He cuts a lot of balls, wins practically all the duels, and helps me a lot.”
On Busquets’ future: “I would like Busquets to continue next year, but it is his decision. He is a player with a lot of quality and has a lot of experience.”
On Gavi: “Gavi gives us a lot of energy with his ferocity and I don’t think he needs to be more calm. He helps us a lot.”
On the upcoming matches: “Bilbao is one of the toughest teams. We are focused on that match and then we have the Clásico too. Regardless of the outcome of the Clásico, the league will not be decided now.”
