MY ACCOUNT
Frenkie de Jong disagreed with Joan Laporta after the Barcelona president said the club could be proud of their performance in the Supercopa de Espana final defeat to Real Madrid.
Barcelona twice came from behind to force extra time against Madrid in Riyadh last week, but Federico Valverde struck the decisive goal in the 98th minute to give Los Blancos a 3-2 success.
Laporta went to the dressing room after the final whistle and told the players they could be proud of their performances, with the footage being published on the club’s official social media channels.
De Jong took a dim view of Laporta’s perspective after his 87th-minute goal against Deportivo Alaves on Sunday secured a 1-0 LaLiga success, ending a three-game winless streak.
“We didn’t play badly against Madrid, but it saddens me to say that we are proud,” said De Jong. “When you lose, you always have to be disappointed.”
The victory saw Barca move above Real Sociedad and into fifth in LaLiga, with fourth-placed Atletico Madrid just one point ahead of them.
“The victory was very important because we are in a difficult phase of the season,” said De Jong.
“We have to improve our play, although it was very difficult because the pitch was frozen. We have to be more precise with the ball, especially in the opposition’s half.
“The goal is to qualify for the Champions League and then we’ll see what position we achieve.”
On his personal display, he added: “When you score, it doesn’t mean you play well. I have to improve, but it’s not a disaster either.”
