De Jong speaks: Reveals His Expectations From The Club

Frenkie De Jong is one of the most questioned players in Barcelona’s squad this season. He appears to be losing his place in Hansi Flick’s sporting plans. As 2025 approaches and the Dutchman’s contract with the club ends in 2026, the midfielder took the opportunity to speak candidly in an interview with Dutch outlet Voetbal.

Recovery from the injury

De Jong talked about the ankle injury he suffered last season, which kept him on the sidelines for a long period, affecting his game and mental health.

He stated, “At first, I was busy day and night with that ankle. As soon as I woke up, I felt it immediately. Has it swollen? Has it responded? Now I have almost lost that feeling. However, the ankle has become something I have to consider. By this, I mean that I will have to continue to pay extra attention to it in the form of care. A player has it in the knee, and I have it in the ankle.”

He also focused on how the injury affected him mentally, stating, “For someone who loves football as much as I do, it seemed like an eternity. It was really the toughest period of my career. I was also out of Ajax for a while; I think it was in 2018. I was sidelined during training when it happened. I tried to block a ball and fell badly, tearing the ligament in the ankle of the other foot. But it was nothing compared to this injury.

De Jong’s expectations from the club

De Jong expressed his disappointment at not achieving much during his time at Barcelona. He commented: “When I signed for Barcelona, I never imagined I would win only La Liga, the Copa Del Rey, and the Supercopa de España after four years. I expected at least double that, which is why I am disappointed. Things happen along the way that cannot be predicted.”

De Jong came to the club with high expectations of achieving a more extensive record in terms of collective titles but is clearly stating how disappointed he is.

CONTRACT TALKS and what will make him leave the club?

De Jong addressed the topic of his renewal, as his contract ends in 2026. He started off the conversation stating the factor that will motivate him to leave the club. He stated, “People think I want to stay at Barcelona forever because life outside of football is very good here, and it is good, but what happens on the field remains more important. If I felt I couldn’t contribute enough, or if the team couldn’t compete, I would leave.”

Regarding the contract renewal, De Jong preferred not to ‘get involved’ and made it clear that he will be focusing on what happens on the field. He stated, “My contract renewal is a topic for the newspapers here, but not for me. I want to play football and then see what the club wants to do with me and then decide what I want to do, together with my agent and my family.”

Is Frenkie in Flick’s plans?

Flick has used De Jong more as a substitute rather than a starter due to his injury. De Jong’s performances have also not been up to the mark. The Dutchman has not shown enough intensity in the game he had.

In my opinion, the fans should support De Jong. He has been with Barça through thick and thin and deserves more chances under Flick. De Jong just got back from an emotional turmoil; being sidelined for a long time, he needs a little more time to adapt and be back to his best.