Xavi explains why a player like De Jong must score a 12 with the public

Soccereco, Staff Writer

Published: 01:00, 8 Oct 2023

Barcelona coach Xavi, heading into the match against Granada, has addressed how players from his club are viewed from the outside. Xavi believes that players are approached (too) critically. He used Frenkie de Jong as an example.

At the press moment leading up to Sunday's match, Xavi responded to the criticism towards his players. 'There is a tendency to underestimate everything when it comes to Barcelona players. If a player deserves an 8, he gets a 6. A 10 becomes an 8. A Barça player must be mentally strong, we try to provide that confidence.'

Xavi believes that De Jong is greatly underestimated. 'Frenkie is one of the best midfielders in the world. But we play at Barça, the most demanding club in the world. Winning alone is not enough, it must be accompanied by good play.'

Barcelona is currently third in Spain, but can come within a point of leader Real Madrid with a win over Granada. De Jong will not play against Granada, as he has sustained an ankle injury. As a result, the midfielder will also miss the international period with the Dutch national team.