Frenkie de Jong talks Flick, Xavi, Lewandowski, Rashford, Fermin, Julian Alvarez, exit rumours | OneFootball

After another intense season at Barcelona, midfielder Frenkie de Jong has opened up in one of his most revealing interviews since arriving in Catalonia.

The Dutch international reflected on his relationship with the club, transfer rumours, injuries, Hansi Flick, Xavi, and several current squad matters during a wide-ranging conversation with SPORT. 

Having now completed his seventh season in Barcelona colours, De Jong admitted there has often been a major difference between the public image created around him and the reality behind the scenes.

Opens up on Barcelona exit pressure

One of the strongest talking points from the interview came when De Jong discussed the period in which parts of the club were open to selling him due to Barcelona’s financial difficulties.

While addressing his relationship with club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, the midfielder insisted there are no hard feelings.

Frenkie de Jong opened up on previous exit rumours. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“My relationship with Deco and Laporta is very good. That was back in the summer of 2023, I think.

“Barça were in a bit of a difficult financial situation and, well, there are always teams that ring players to ask if they want to go or not. And I always said no. So there was no option.

“What happened that summer was that, even though I said no, some teams went to the club and offered money for me. And within Barça, not everyone, but some people, thought they were good offers and wanted to sell me.

“But I’ve always said: ‘I just want to be at Barça.’ If I believe I’m good enough to be a first-team regular and play a key role for the team, I want to be here.

“That’s how I saw it that summer and I told them I wanted to stay. For me, that was the end of the matter.”

The Dutchman also admitted that the difficult environment naturally created moments of doubt.

“That summer I was certain I didn’t want to leave. But of course, things do cross your mind when you’re under pressure or when you’re in a situation like that.

“You think: ‘Maybe I have to leave’, or ‘perhaps it would be better for me to go to another team’. Of course you think about it sometimes, but actually considering leaving? No.”

Recent issues

De Jong says he is physically fit. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

De Jong also clarified why he missed Barcelona’s clash against Betis and Robert Lewandowski’s farewell occasion.

“Well, I was ill, at home, in bed. So I couldn’t go to the stadium or play in the match.

“I had pain all over my body: a headache, I felt dizzy when I moved… a bad bout of flu.”

The midfielder later addressed concerns regarding his recent injury situation and his limited starts since returning to full fitness.

“Well, I came back from a long-term injury and played ten minutes against Espanyol.

“Then came the Champions League second leg against Atlético. I did everything I could to return as soon as possible: double training sessions and all that.

“But in the end, I couldn’t cut short the time the doctors told me I needed, which was six weeks. And in the end, it was six weeks.”

On Xavi and Flick

Beyond the transfer stories and injury setbacks, the interview also highlighted how important De Jong still feels inside this Barcelona project under Hansi Flick.

The Dutch midfielder praised both Flick and former manager Xavi while denying reports of tension during the previous coaching era.

“No, I think Xavi understood me very well too. It’s true that when he arrived, we had a first six months where he wanted certain things and I saw things differently. 

“We had different opinions, but that was in the first six months.”

He further added, “I never had any friction with Xavi. They were more like chats about movements and positions.”

Furthermore, when discussing Flick, De Jong spoke positively about the German coach’s leadership style.

“I think he’s a very good team manager. He gives everyone confidence, but at the same time keeps everyone on their toes, ensuring we always give 100 per cent. And he does that very well. 

“Tactically, he has very clear ideas, but within that he gives you the freedom to express yourself.”

Praise for Ansu Fati

The Dutchman has praised Ansu Fati. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The Barcelona midfielder also gave his thoughts on several teammates and transfer matters, praising Ansu Fati and Lamine Yamal while discussing young talents at the club.

When asked which academy player has surprised him the most, he revealed,

“I’d say perhaps Ansu Fati, back in his day, because he came through when there weren’t that many young players in the team yet. 

“There were very few, and he made the step up at 16.”

Comparing the current AS Monaco star to Lamine Yamal, he added,

“They’re different players, very different profiles. Lamine carries the ball more, creates more play. 

“Ansu is more of a goalscorer. But Ansu was very dangerous near the box and could make a difference.”

Lewandowski and his replacement

On Lewandowski’s departure, the midfielder admitted the dressing room will feel the loss deeply.

“I think he’s given it a lot of thought and spoken at length with the club. But that’s now a matter between him and Barça. We’re going to miss him terribly.”

Regarding possible reinforcements, De Jong made his position very clear.

“I don’t know if the club is going to sign anyone. But if they do bring in a player, he has to be top-class. 

De Jong has nothing but praise for Lewandowski (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“I’d always rather sign one really good player than four who are just average.”

When asked specifically about Julian Alvarez, his response was brief.

“Well, he’s an Atlético player, so I can’t say much. All I can say is that yes, he’s a very good player.”

On Rashford and Fermin

Finally, the Dutchman backed Marcus Rashford following his contributions in the title-winning season.

“Yes, I think so. In the minutes he’s had, he’s given us a lot: goals, assists, depth. 

“He’s a quick player who poses a real threat to opposing defences. As far as I’m concerned, I’d be delighted if he stayed with us.”

He also confirmed he had reached out to Fermin Lopez during a difficult moment.

“Well, I haven’t seen him in person yet, but I’ve sent him some encouragement and all that,” he concluded.