De Jong and Koeman blast ‘ridiculous’ decision to play Barcelona vs Villarreal in Miami | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong and former defender Ronald Koeman have blasted the decision to play the club’s La Liga clash with Villarreal in Miami.

De Jong was the first to speak up at a press conference ahead of the Dutch national team’s international games.

The 27-year-old, who is on the verge of signing a new contract with Barcelona, said (via Mundo Deportivo): “I don’t like that we’re going to play there, and I don’t agree with it.

“It’s unfair for the competition. I don’t like it, and I don’t think it’s right for the players.

“For the clubs, it’s about expanding their brand globally. That’s probably the idea behind it. I understand that perspective, but I wouldn’t accept it, and I don’t share it.”

Koeman was more scathing, saying: “It makes no sense. It’s ridiculous. Frenkie gives a good explanation. It’s not fair.

“Villarreal versus Barcelona is always a tough away game for Barca, and now they’ll play it on neutral ground.

“There will be more Barcelona fans in the stands than Villarreal supporters. That’s not fair either.”

AC Milan also received approval to play their clash with Como in Australia.

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot criticised the move, only to be told by a league executive to ‘respect the money’.

Criticism is justified

The critics have every reason to be furious. This decision defies all logic – sporting or otherwise.

A La Liga match should be played where it belongs, in Spain, not halfway across the world for the sake of marketing metrics.

Forcing players to travel thousands of miles mid-season disrupts their rhythm, recovery and focus.

It’s not just about jet lag. It’s about respect for the integrity of the competition.

The frustration is justified. The players are the ones who must bear the physical and mental toll of a decision driven by profit, not passion.

If La Liga wants global growth, that’s fine, but not at the expense of fairness and the spirit of football.