"A final against Madrid is very special"

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong said on Thursday after beating Osasuna 2-0 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final that a final against Real Madrid, the 'Cules' opponents in Sunday's title match, is always "very special".

"We have to improve and we are doing better. This is a fairly new team this year and you always need time to get used to your team-mates. We are in this process. A final against Madrid is very special, it's two teams at the highest level and we'll see who wins," said the Dutchman.

De Jong, who was voted MOTM, said that two days are "more than enough" to recover and that Barcelona's players will be "ready" for the game.

The midfielder admitted that "it had been a long time" since Barcelona had won by more than a goal, but played down the importance of that fact: "In the end it's about winning and playing well. We played a serious game. The first half wasn't so good, but the second half was better.

"It was difficult to find space because they defended very well with five men at the back and three in the middle, there was very little space. We need a bit more movement and creativity. In the second half we were better. The changes helped us in that", he concluded.

 

January 11, 2024