FC Barcelona face two crucial games, at San Mames and the Clasico at Camp Nou, which will virtually pocket them the title if they win both. The dressing room is anxious to take these six points and win the league: the big challenge of the season. This is what Frenkie de Jong said in an interview with the programme 'Tu diràs' on RAC-1, remarking that he never considered leaving for Manchester United.
"I've never won the league, it's my fourth year here and it's the closest I've been, but there's still a long way to go," he said in response to questions from Aleix Parisé. The player insisted "I'm very excited about winning the title, it's the main objective this year".
The team still have the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final to play, with a 0-1 win at the Bernabeu bagged, and they are also aiming for this trophy. Frenkie has no doubts: "We are going for every title possible, we have the advantage in the league and the cup and we have a very good team and squad. We are going for both".
De Jong considers that "if we win the three titles in Spain it would be an extraordinary season (the Super Cup is already won) because there are very good teams, such as Madrid, Atlético... Of course, Frenkie did not forget about the continental fiascos and admitted that "in Europe we should do better, but we'll see next year".
The Dutchman admitted that "it was very hard what happened in Europe. I was hoping to go further in the Champions League and the last two years have been very bad. We didn't get past the group stage. We have to do much better. De Jong was adamant that "we have the squad to do better in Europe, especially this year, it's our fault and nobody else's".
Throughout the summer there was much speculation about a hypothetical transfer with Manchester United in his sights. The player explained that during the summer "I was fine, calm because I knew I wanted to stay at Barça and I haven't changed my mind".
The Dutchman is very clear about where he wants to play and develop his career. "I have always dreamed of playing for Barça and I want to succeed at Barça," he said. The scenario, in his opinion, is ideal because he is in a setting in which "I am very happy, comfortable, participating more in the game".
De Jong has relied on all the coaches who have coached him at Barça and he said he feels "happy" about it, adding about Xavi Hernández that "with him I have to continue and improve because every player has the margin to do so. Xavi helps me a lot, all the coaches have helped me in some way. With Xavi we look at images, and he helps me".
His possible link with United was settled when he reiterated that "I'm very happy and I want to continue for many years at Barça".