De Jong, Eric Garcia react after Club Brugge 3-3 Barcelona – ‘We should have won’ | OneFootball

After Barcelona’s 3-3 draw against Club Brugge, captain Frenkie de Jong was among the first players to speak publicly about the disappointing result. 

The Dutch midfielder didn’t hide his frustration, making it clear that while Barça had enough chances to win, the overall performance wasn’t good enough.

“It’s a game that I think we should have won, but obviously we have to do things much better,” 

De Jong acknowledged that the team has plenty to work on. 

“There are things we have to adjust, we know that, we’re working on it, but we don’t always convey that on the pitch, and that’s kind of it.”

Barcelona’s defensive struggles

Discussing the defensive struggles that have plagued Barcelona this season, De Jong admitted that their structural issues are leaving them vulnerable to quick transitions. 

“We are a bit weak on the counterattack because of our marking, our pressing up front, and how we position ourselves at the back. It’s a bit of everything,” he explained.

When asked about comparisons to last year’s team, De Jong was firm in his response.

“We have to put last year behind us. Last year, we weren’t the best team in Europe either, so last year isn’t… we have to improve. 

“We didn’t win the Champions League and we also conceded a lot of goals last year, so we have to improve.”

Praise for Lamine Yamal

For De Jong, the focus is not just about defending, but about balance. 

“It’s not all about not conceding, but if you concede three goals, it’s very difficult to win,” he added. 

Barcelona’s defensive struggles were evident. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Despite the team’s struggles, he took a moment to praise young sensation Lamine Yamal, saying, 

“He’s been good. He’s a very good player, special. He’ll always make a difference. 

“He may have a better game than another, but if he keeps working, we don’t have to worry about Lamine’s level.”

Eric Garcia’s thoughts

Elsewhere, there was concern for Eric Garcia, who suffered a nasty injury late in the match after colliding with Brugge forward Romeo Vermant. 

The defender was forced off after suffering a bleeding nose, and he later revealed, “I think he broke my nose.” 

The club will now wait for a medical evaluation to determine the severity of the injury.

Despite the pain, Garcia still analysed the team’s defensive issues with honesty. “They are creating a lot of danger for us on the counterattack. With two passes, they are in our area and we have to regroup. 

“The team reacted well, but when you’re behind, you score, and five minutes later they score again, it’s tough, but you have to keep going, there’s no other choice,” he reflected.

The centre-back also emphasised the need for collective improvement rather than blaming any particular line. 

“I don’t think it’s the defensive line, we all attack and we all defend. We’re losing the ball in difficult areas that favour the opponent, and that’s something we have to minimise. 

“It’s pretty clear. In football, after all, with time wasting and substitutions, we could have let them take the last corner,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo