Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has clarified his decision to leave the field at half-time during the Netherlands’ dominant 7-0 victory over Greece.
The 29-year-old captained the squad during the Nations League match but did not return for the second half of play.
Initial concerns regarding his physical condition were raised after reports surfaced that he had experienced back discomfort before the game, according to Barca Universal.
De Jong addressed these concerns directly after the match, noting that his recent recovery from injury necessitated a cautious approach.
He explained that with the team holding a comfortable 5-0 lead at the break, there was no logical reason to risk his health further.
“I’d only just come back from injury and everything, so it was fine as it was,” the midfielder stated.
He further emphasized that his limited match fitness and the demanding international schedule played a significant role in his decision to sit out the remainder of the fixture.
Beyond his individual fitness, De Jong reflected on the team’s tactical performance and the long-term vision being implemented by the coaching staff.
He credited precise positioning and clinical finishing for the emphatic result against Greece.
The midfielder described the current team development as a process of continuous improvement aimed at competing for major titles in the future.
He noted that while the recent performance was encouraging, the squad still has a long way to go before they reach their full potential.
“It’s a good step, and tonight it looked very good,” the player concluded to ESPN.
The team now looks to maintain this momentum in upcoming international fixtures.