The representative of Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong has refuted reports that the Dutch international staged an illness in order to miss his team’s last group stage encounter in the UEFA Champions League. On December 13, the Catalan team went to Belgium and lost 3-2 to Royal Antwerp. Before the match, they had already earned a spot in the knockout stages.
According to reports, Sporting Director Deco spoke with the midfield player and was not convinced by his explanation when he was told. Nevertheless, Ali Dursun, de Jong’s agent, informed the Dutch publication De Telegraaf more on this controversy.
The Dutch international’s agent said that, “It’s fake news. It is the biggest nonsense that has been released around Frenkie in a long time. The player is just sick. He has symptoms of fever and has been unable to travel and play. This boy is a professional through and through. Just a model professional.”
He added, “Just don’t touch Frenkie’s reputation, because he always delivers. There was no shouting over the phone as claimed, no question marks. Things are being created now in a false way. The relationship with Deco is simply good and stable.”
Barcelona finished first in their group for the Champions League despite the loss, amassing 12 points from six games. De Jong has only made two starts in the tournament; he previously missed games in the competition in Europe because of an ankle ailment.
“We’re on a bad run” : Xavi on FC Barcelona’s recent form
Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, acknowledged his concerns following his team’s performance in Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to Royal Antwerp. The Catalan club has now lost two straight games in all competitions.
The league leaders Girona defeated the Spanish powerhouses 4-2 a few days prior to the midweek match . Xavi spoke about his team’s performance following Barcelona’s trip to Belgium.
The FC Barcelona manager said, “I’m worried, of course. That’s normal. The team is uncomfortable right now. We’re on a bad run – two negative results. We can be self-critical. It’s time to improve. Our rivals make chances and threaten, we have to do more of that ourselves – it’s costing us.”
