Frenkie de Jong has commented on the plan to play Decemberโs match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami. Like many other players, the Oranje international isnโt enthusiastic about the UEFA-approved proposal.
โNo, I donโt like that,โ De Jong said at the Dutch national teamโs press conference ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Malta. โI can understand the clubs. Financially, theyโll obviously benefit from it, and they can further expand their brand worldwide. But I wouldnโt do it.โ
According to De Jong, the players themselves arenโt being listened to. โI donโt think so, because itโs just going ahead. Itโs not good for the players. You have to travel a lot, and itโs not fair in terms of competition. For us, itโs an away game on neutral ground. I understand if other clubs arenโt happy about that.โ
National coach Ronald Koeman agrees with the Barcelona midfielder. โItโs completely absurd, of course. Frenkie gives a very good answer. There are now more Barcelona fans in the stands in Miami than Villarreal fans, even though it would normally have been a home game for Villarreal. Thatโs not fair. Itโs not good sportsmanship.โ
GBeNeFNย |ย Max Bradfield
