De Jong feeling fit and ready for Napoli

FC Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong has spoken in exclusive to the Barça TV+ cameras, and obviously there is one thing on everyone’s minds right now. This weekend, Barça will be battling for a place in Lisbon for the final stages of an atypical Champions League:

Personal feelings

"I’m feeling good with a lot of positive energy. I’ve recovered well from the injury and am feeling fit. The break was good for the whole team. We’ve recharged our batteries. It was nice to get some rest and get our energy back.".

The injury

"I was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t play but I have prepared well for the next few games and feel ready for the one against Napoli.”

Champions League

"I’m always motivated, but the Champions League is clearly very special. I don’t feel under more pressure now that I’m at Barça, it’s the same in every game. In a single legged game the smaller teams have a bigger chance of springing a surprise. Of course we need to win at all costs, but playing games over one leg is harder because anyone can shock you. But it’s a new thing for everyone, nobody has played with this format before, and all the teams that are going will be going because they deserve to be there.”

Napoli

"Napoli have some top quality players and they’re very well disciplined. I’m sure it’ll be a difficult game. All Champions League games are, but we need to make sure we make it into the next round.”

The first leg

“We found the first leg hard going. We had a lot of players behind the ball and it wasn’t a great result, but I’m confident we can play better now.”

Preparations

"We have had more time to prepare for the game while they are still in the rhythm of playing games, so it can be read two ways. During the season, you only have two or three days to get ready for a game, and this time we have had two weeks.”

Absentees

"Busquets and Vidal are two fundamental players and they’ll be missed. But in our team, all the players are top quality.”

Empty Camp Nou

"It’s a bit of an odd situation, even more so in the Champions League, where you really feel the presence of the fans. But there are four games left to win the trophy. Every game is decisive, and that makes it harder.”