Frenkie de Jong prepares for return to the Netherlands under Xavi

◆1 source

Frenkie de Jong said he was pleased that Xavi had become the Netherlands’ new coach after the two worked together at Barcelona for two and a half years. Xavi called De Jong in advance to tell him about the appointment. De Jong missed the first international break under Xavi because of a knee injury, but is now fully fit and expects the coach to continue emphasizing pressing and attacking football, with tactical variation. The Netherlands are due to play Greece and Germany in November.

De Jong said the Netherlands must rebuild after their elimination by Morocco at the World Cup and develop a recognizable team capable of competing for a title. He said the squad had significant potential, although it did not have the same individual quality as England or France. De Jong is also set to reach 300 appearances for Barcelona if he plays against Deportivo Alavés and Aston Villa the following week.

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