Los Blancos will host the Blaugrana at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano for the first time in Clasico history on Saturday.
It’s essential for Barcelona to win the Clasico
Frenkie de Jong emphasized the Clasico’s importance against Real Madrid and stressed that Barcelona winning LaLiga solely depends on themselves. Los Blancos will host the Blaugrana at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano for the first time in Clasico history on Saturday. “There is always additional pressure in front of the Clasico,” De Jong said at an online press conference. “This is no different from the others, and we want to win it. I think it is essential for us to win the Clasico. It would bring us closer to our goal, although I would not call it a decisive game. Winning the Clasico does not mean that we will win the league, and losing does not mean we will not win. The league is in our hands. If we win every remaining game, we will become champions.”
Frenkie will always play where the team and the coach need him
“The cup final is also significant for us, but first, we will focus on the Clasico because it is crucial for us as well.” Ronald Koeman has used De Jong both in midfield and centre-back this season, but his compatriot has argued that he prefers to play in the middle third. “I will always play where the team and the coach need me,” added De Jong. “I’ve 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 won’t affect me. But I don’t see myself playing in the centre until the end of my career.” De Jong also showed that playing for Barcelona is a dream come true and expressed his desire to stay at Camp Nou for years to come.
“I wanted to play for Barcelona since I was a kid,” said De Jong. “I’ve always wanted to come here. Now I hope to stay here for a very long time. Barcelona always stick to their own style. I love it, and I hope to be a part of it for many more years. It’s hard to compare yourself to the historical Barcelona players. I’d rather write my own story and make my own way.”