‘I don’t accept it’ – Barcelona star criticises the club over USA plans for Villarreal clash | OneFootball

Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has this week become the first member of Hansi Flick’s squad to speak publicly against plans to play out an upcoming La Liga fixture in the USA.

The news which shook Spanish football to its core was of course forthcoming this past Monday.

This came by way of confirmation that UEFA had reluctantly given the green light for Barcelona and Villarreal to face off at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

The fixture, pencilled in for December 21st, will be the first in the history of La Liga to take place outside of Spain.

The move has since sparked widespread debate, with many having made clear their feelings that the legitimacy of the competition in Spain’s top-flight is being brought into disrepute.

And in full agreement with such a line of thinking, as alluded to above, is Frenkie de Jong.

Speaking during a press conference whilst on international duty with the Netherlands (as cited by Mundo Deportivo) this week, Barcelona midfielder De Jong explained:

“I don’t like us going there, and I don’t agree with it. It’s not fair 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 what it’s all about. I understand the position, but I don’t accept it, and I don’t share it. The fixture list also plays a role. We always complain about the match schedule and the excessive travel.”

Conor Laird – GSFN