Frenkie de Jong not a fan of Barcelona’s game in Miami | OneFootball

Frenkie de Jong has commented on the plan to play December’s match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami. Like many other players, the Oranje international isn’t enthusiastic about the UEFA-approved proposal.

“No, I don’t like that,” De Jong said at the Dutch national team’s press conference ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Malta. “I can understand the clubs. Financially, they’ll obviously benefit from it, and they can further expand their brand worldwide. But I wouldn’t do it.”

According to De Jong, the players themselves aren’t being listened to. “I don’t think so, because it’s just going ahead. It’s not good for the players. You have to travel a lot, and it’s not fair in terms of competition. For us, it’s an away game on neutral ground. I understand if other clubs aren’t happy about that.”

National coach Ronald Koeman agrees with the Barcelona midfielder. “It’s completely absurd, of course. Frenkie gives a very good answer. There are now more Barcelona fans in the stands in Miami than Villarreal fans, even though it would normally have been a home game for Villarreal. That’s not fair. It’s not good sportsmanship.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield