Frenkie de Jong slams Barcelona USA fixture – “Would not accept”

On Wednesday, La Liga made it official that Villarreal and Barcelona will face each other at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, thus completing a movement that the league has been keen to do for several years.

UEFA reluctantly approved the match earlier in the week, and although FIFA’s final say is not yet official, La Liga have made it clear that they do not expect any pushback, although that has not stopped criticism coming their way.

And one of those opposed to the USA fixture is someone that will likely be playing in it: Frenkie de Jong. As per MD, he revealed to the media that he is very much against the decision to move the match to the United States, also stating that he believes it is a selfish decision made by Barcelona, Villarreal and La Liga.

“I don’t like that we are going to play there and I don’t agree with this. It’s not fair for the competition. I don’t like it and I don’t think it’s good for the players. For the clubs it is to expand their brand worldwide. That’s probably what it’s all about. I understand the position, but I would not accept it and I do not share it. We always complain about the match schedule and the excess of travel.

“The clubs are going to get paid for this, but I don’t agree with playing a league game in Miami. I understand that other clubs do not agree.”

Ex-Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman in agreement

Ronald Koeman, former Barcelona and current Netherlands head coach, also chimed in during the same press conference, confirming that he is in agreement with de Jong.

“It doesn’t make any sense. It’s ridiculous. Frenkie gives a good explanation. That’s not fair. Villarreal-FC Barcelona is always a difficult away game for Barça and now they play it on neutral ground. There are more Barcelona fans in the stands than Villarreal fans. So it’s not fair either.”