De Jong: 'Great to be back'

The FC Barcelona squad are quickly getting back into their rhythm after the season was interrupted by Covid-19. After training alone, on Monday they started working in groups of up to ten players.

"It was really nice to see each other again” said Frenkie de Jong to the club media – and went on to provide the following quotes:

Together again

"Two or three months apart were a long time. It is always nice to meet up again after a separation for holidays or whatever, but it’s normally just three weeks or so and this was almost three months".

"I was missing training, my team-mates, playing football and all that. And rondos too, which are such an important part of our training.”

"I think it was good to start by training separately because everyone worked at their own pace and could see how their fitness was before working with the rest of the group. I think everything felt good enough! It was a good build-up.”

Fitness

"I feel fine. I did some training in Holland to get in the right shape. It was nice to be on the grass again.”

"I don’t think I’m ready to play a game yet. We still need a few weeks of training. First individually, then in small groups and then as a whole team. We’ll be ready to play again in a few weeks’ time."

Germany in action

"I watched Dortmund against Schalke. It was nice to see football on TV again but it’s not the ame without fans. They create a special atmosphere and everything is better with fans. But we’ll have to play without them. Hopefully it’ll only be for this season and they will come back to the stadiums soon. Games will be more enjoyable with them.”

Thanks to the services

"I think everyone all around the world is grateful for what medical workers are doing. They are always everyday heroes but even more so now. They are fighting the virus. We all are. I really have huge respect for them.”