Barcelona captain De Jong hits out at critics: ‘Many people don’t understand anything about football’

Barcelona captain De Jong hits out at critics: ‘Many people don’t understand anything about football’

Barcelona captain Frenkie de Jong played an hour in the Netherlands’ 5-1 win over Sweden last night despite nursing a physical setback and led from the front in midfield.

There were doubts about his participation on the night, but the manager Ronald Koeman decided that De Jong had to start given the importance of a win on the night.

In the 59 minutes that he was on the field, the Barcelona captain completed 96% of his 53 passes, made seven recoveries and six defensive contributions for his side.

De Jong speaks on criticism

In an interview with Voetbal International (h/t Mundo Deportivo), De Jong openly addressed the topic of his contribution in the national team and the criticism around it.

He first began by highlighting how many of the online ‘pundits’ who roll out criticism do not understand the game in itself to begin with.

De Jong hits out at critics. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

“I have the feeling that many people don’t understand anything about football. They see it, but they don’t understand it, so to speak.”

“That’s not bad, because it allows everyone to talk about it, but it’s the truth,” he added.

On the criticism that he does not make many vertical and long-balls, De Jong explained the rationale behind it and the thought process that goes into making any pass in a game.

“I hear people say that I don’t give long passes, but that’s not true. They’re just not paying attention to the game. It depends on the game, but also on the moment.”

“You can throw that ball deep, but then it always goes to the goalkeeper. Yes, I think some people find it hard to understand it.

“Maybe I should sit with them sometime. It also depends on the moment itself. If someone runs or not, how is he running,” he added.

De Jong calls for more respect

The player then hit out at fans for constantly criticising players and looking for scapegoats who did not have a good game.

A key player for the national team. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

“I think that, in general, in the Netherlands we could value the players a little more. Of course, you can criticize if you think someone is not playing a good game.”

“That’s okay and we don’t have any problem with it either. But he is often so exaggerated that he is immediately called a bad player,” he added.

Elaborating on the quality of players they have in the national team, the Barcelona captain concluded by saying that any player can have a good game but the overall quality was all that mattered in the end.

“We have a lot of guys who play at the highest level, who have been playing for years. Or at a high level. They are all good players.”

“Anyone can have a bad game. And it’s okay if he’s criticized for it. Everyone wants to say what they want and I have the feeling that, in the end, they do it to make themselves known,” he concluded.