Frenkie de Jong has criticised Barcelona's performance after they lost 3-1 to Real Valladolid with the Dutch midfielder saying that he and his teammates need to look at themselves after the defeat.
Barca have already won La Liga, but have now lost back-to-back matches, with their latest coming against Valladolid on Tuesday. Xavi took the opportunity to rotate his squad, with players such as Pablo Torre making an appearance as Barca conceded three times at Estadio José Zorrilla.
Such was the nature of the defeat, De Jong took a swipe at the performance when speaking to the media post-match. He explained how nothing had gone to plan for Barca, with the Catalans losing heavily despite having had 70% possession during the match against the relegation threatened side.
De Jong said: “Nothing went right for us. They played a lot, and it showed, they risked their lives out there. We weren’t good. We haven’t done enough, and we have to look at ourselves. They did well and we must congratulate them.”
“At Barça, you always have to win, especially against Valladolid, with all due respect. We congratulate Valladolid for the performance. We have to look at ourselves because we didn’t play well in this game.” de Jong added.
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The La Liga giants are set for a summer of crucial transfer activity, with rumours of their biggest stars leaving amid continuing financial constraints placed on them due to Financial Fair Play. They must bring in £178 million in transfer fees before any business can be done, with players such as De Jong likely to attract interest.
Barca were 3-0 down to Real Valladolid before Robert Lewndowski scored a consolation goal ((Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images))It could reignite rumours that the Netherlands international may join Manchester United in the upcoming transfer window. Interest from United and Erik ten Hag was widely reported last summer, with United transfer chiefs said to have discussed a dea l before he stayed to become a key man in Barca's charge to the league title this season.
De Jong worked with United manager Ten Hag at Ajax before his move to Barca four years ago. However, the 25-year-old has openly spoken of his happiness at Barca, with his contract at the club running until 2026.
In March, he told RAC-1, via Sport : "I am very happy and I want to continue for many years at Barça. I have always dreamed of playing for Barça and I want to succeed at Barça. I am very happy, comfortable, participating more in the game.
"[Last summer] I was fine, calm because I knew I wanted to continue at Barça and I haven't changed my mind. With [Xavi] I have to continue and improve because each player has room to do so. Xavi helps me a lot, all the coaches have helped me in some way."
United's reported interest in Mason Mount could also be a sign a move for De Jong may be unlikely, at least for this summer. The Chelsea man is being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, with talks reported to have taken place amid the 24-year-old's failure to sign a new deal with Chelsea.
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