Focused on the Dutch team, De Jong criticizes the match in the United States a few hours after the La Liga was confirmed
Hours after La Liga confirmed the match between Villarreal and Barcelona in the United States, Dutch Frenkie De Jong, midfielder of the Catalan team and the Dutch national team, harshly criticized the holding of the match in North America.
“I don’t like that we have to go there and I don’t agree. It’s not right for the competition. I don’t like it and I don’t think the players understand it well. For the clubs it’s about expanding their brand globally, that’s probably what it’s about. I understand the position, but I wouldn’t accept it and I don’t agree with it. We always complain about the match schedule and excessive travel,” the midfielder said.
The player, focused on the Netherlands for the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, nevertheless appeared on the side of the teams against holding the match. One of these is Real Madrid, who appealed to UEFA and FIFA to block the duel, but the appeal was unsuccessful.
“Clubs will be paid for this, but I don’t agree to play a league match in Miami. I understand that other clubs don’t agree,” De Jong added.
In addition to the criticism of the teams and the Dutchman, a group of Villarreal fans called for a protest against the change of venue of the match.
“It is disappointing that our club allows and promotes all this, and even more so that it is led by complicit fans, without a critical spirit, whose only objective is to obtain personal advantages. We announced that, in the first half against Betis, they must be in charge of supporting the team, since we cannot ignore this incident nor be complicit in it,” Villarreal fans said in a statement.
Managers celebrate the game in Miami
The position of Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, was completely contrary to that of De Jong. The manager believes that this is an opportunity to bring the Catalan club closer to the American market, which he considers one of the most important for the club from a strategic point of view.
“We have been visiting the country for many years and have always felt the passion that Barcelona awakens. As a global club, with millions of fans around the world, this opportunity reinforces our commitment to the international fan base, especially in a key market like the United States. Playing an official match in a city like Miami, with a community culé so strong, it will undoubtedly be a great show between two teams competing at the highest level,” he explained.
For Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, the match in the United States represents a historic step for the competition and raises the level of Spanish football.
“La Liga represents millions of fans around the world, many of whom follow their teams passionately and deserve the chance to see them live at least once. This match aims to bring our football closer to that global fan base, without diminishing our commitment to those who experience it every week in Spain’s stadiums,” Tebas said.
For Fernando Roig, president of Villarreal, this is a great opportunity for the club to further strengthen its presence in the United States.
“With this initiative, we can reach fans in other parts of the world and continue to expand both the club and La Liga brands. We know that playing this match away from home has an impact on our fan partners, which is why we are implementing concrete and relevant measures to reward them. We are confident that it will be a great experience,” said Roig.
According to La Liga, the match valid for the 17th round of the competition will be played on December 20, at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami.
Source: Terra

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