De Jong looks forward to Saturday's Clásico
Frenkie de Jong, the Barça player who has amassed the most playing time this season, will be playing in his third Clásico this Saturday. Speaking in an online press conference with ten Asian media outlets based on Japan, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and China, with a potential audience of more than 300 million people, the player has explained:
Clásico pressure
"There is always extra pressure before a Clásico. This is no different to any other and we want to win it.”
Decisive game?
"I think it’s really important for us to win the Clásico. It would take us closer to our goal, although I wouldn’t call it a decisive game. Winning the Clásico doesn’t mean we’ll win the league and losing it doesn’t mean we won’t."
“The league is in our hands. If we win every game we have left, we’ll be champions. The cup final is also very important for us, but we’re focusing on the Clásico first because that’s very important for us too.
Great form
"Early on in the season we were adapting to a new system and new team-mates. We didn’t have a preseason, but now we are really working well together and are feeling very confident."
Barça future
"I’ve wanted to play for Barça since I was a child. I’ve always wanted to come here. Now I hope to stay here a very long time.”
"Barça always stick to their style. I like that and hope to be part of it for many more years."
"It’s hard to compare myself with historic FC Barcelona players. I’d prefer to write my own story and make my own way.
Playing position
"I will always play where the team and coach need me. I have always said that I prefer to play in the middle, but if I have to go somewhere else, I’ll do as I’m told."
"Wherever I play, my training routine will be the same. It wouldn’t affect me. But I can’t see myself playing at centre back the rest of my career."
Leo Messi, the GOAT
"For me, Messi is the best player of all time, the best I’ve ever seen. He makes everything feel easier. In every game he continues to show that he’s the very best."
"My hero? I don’t know. I think I’d have to say Messi, who was already the best when I was just 12 years old."
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"It is very important for us that these young players are progressing and improving. They have the club’s DNA in their blood."
Targets for the season
"My goals? With Barça we want to win La Liga and the Copa del Rey. It’s a shame we’re out of the Champions League. And with Holland we want to compete to win the European Championship in the summer."