Frenkie de Jong’s role at FC Barcelona has diminished in recent months. Following ankle injuries that hindered his performance last season, the Dutch midfielder returned to action under Hansi Flick weeks after the La Liga campaign began. However, he has struggled to regain a prominent place in the team. In an interview with Voetbal, De Jong shared candid insights about his time at the club and his thoughts on football’s evolution.

A Disappointing Tally of Titles

De Jong, who joined Barcelona in the summer of 2019 after a much-anticipated transfer from Ajax, admitted to feeling let down by the lack of silverware during his tenure. “When I signed for Barcelona, I didn’t imagine I’d have just one La Liga, one Copa del Rey, and one Supercopa de España after four years. I expected at least double that, so it’s disappointing. Things happen off the pitch that you can’t predict,” he said, reflecting on the challenges that have shaped his journey at the club.

Football Over Lifestyle

While De Jong acknowledged the exceptional quality of life in Catalonia, he emphasized that his priorities remain on-field success. “People think I want to stay in Barcelona forever because life outside football is so good here, and it is, but what happens on the pitch is still more important. If I felt I couldn’t contribute enough, or if the team couldn’t compete, I would leave,” he asserted, underlining his commitment to maintaining a high standard of performance.

Future Uncertain

When asked about his contract renewal, De Jong remained noncommittal, framing the issue as secondary to his focus on football. “My contract renewal is a topic for the local papers, not for me. I want to play football, and then I’ll see what the club wants to do with me. After that, I’ll decide what I want to do with my agent and my family,” he explained, leaving his long-term future at Barcelona open-ended.

Criticism of Football’s Modern Trends

De Jong also offered a critique of contemporary football, lamenting the increasing rigidity of tactical systems. “Football is becoming too robotic, too tactical. When I watch other teams, everything is so programmed. For example, when they build up from the back, a player is only allowed to pass left, right, or forward as long as the triangle is formed,” he observed, expressing concern over the lack of creative freedom in today’s game.

A Crossroads for Club and Player

Frenkie de Jong’s reflections highlight both personal and systemic challenges as he navigates his career at Barcelona. With his role in the squad uncertain and his future at the club yet to be determined, the coming months will be pivotal not only for the midfielder but also for a Barcelona side striving to reclaim its status as a footballing powerhouse.