Koeman warns about Frenkie de Jong’s physical condition!

Netherlands coach and former Barca coach Ronald Koeman has warned about Frenkie de Jong’s physical condition in recent months. Back in the summer, he insisted that his injury was very serious, and now he emphasized once again that he is not okay, although he returned to play for Barça, and that we should be careful: “I was on the phone last week and, with all due respect, it’s still too far away. He played a little, and it already scared him. It was difficult for him.”

Barca have been pampering Frenkie de Jong in an attempt to solve his ankle problems and did not allow him to undergo surgery. The club’s plan was to give him minutes in the next games so he could show his best form for the matches against Bayern and Madrid, but Koeman believes this will not be possible: “Frenkie needs to find his rhythm and be 100% fit and I think he’s still there,” said Koeman, who complained in the summer that Barca were putting pressure on the player, creating a serious physical problem.

Koeman wanted to make it clear that Frenkie de Jong is not worthy of a call-up to the Dutch national team and that he will continue to count on him in the future, but he needs to recover well from the injury and avoid relapses. It is clear that the Dutch coach hopes that Barça will not make the same mistake as last season, so as not to aggravate the player’s situation.

Frenkie de Jong had ankle problems last year but finished out the Clasico against Real Madrid in April. The Dutchman said enough and left for good, missing the last EuroCup as well as pre-season training with Barça. Club Blaugrana put him on hold until he was released from hospital a few days ago, although the fragility of his ankle suggests he won’t be much of a factor until at least November.

De Jong is Hansi Flick’s key player. In fact, last summer the German coach apparently asked Barca not to move him as he considers him an indispensable player in midfield. And he wants him to continue extending his contract, although at the moment there is no agreement yet.