Frenkie de Jong has highlighted the importance of the Clasico against Real Madrid and stressed that Barcelona winning LaLiga Santander solely depends on themselves.
Los Blancos will host the Blaugrana at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano for the first time in Clasico history at 21:00 CET on Saturday.
“There is always extra pressure before a Clasico,” De Jong told an online press conference with Asian media outlets.
“This is no different to any other and we want to win it. I think it’s really important for us to win the Clasico. It would take us closer to our goal, although I wouldn’t call it a decisive game.
“Winning the Clasico doesn’t mean we’ll win the league and losing it doesn’t mean we won’t. The league is in our hands. If we win every game we have left, we’ll be champions.
“The cup final is also very important for us, but we’re focusing on the Clasico first because that’s very important for us too.”
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Ronald Koeman has used De Jong both in midfield and at centre-back this season, but his compatriot has claimed that he prefers to play in the middle third.
“I will always play where the team and coach need me,” added De Jong.
“I have always said that I prefer to play in the middle, but if I have to go somewhere else, I’ll do as I’m told.
“Wherever I play, my training routine will be the same. It wouldn’t affect me. But I can’t see myself playing at centre back the rest of my career.”
De Jong also revealed that playing for Barcelona is a dream come true and expressed his wish to stay at the Camp Nou for years to come.
“I’ve wanted to play for Barcelona since I was a child,” De Jong noted.
“I’ve always wanted to come here. Now I hope to stay here a very long time. Barcelona always stick to their style. I like that and hope to be part of it for many more years.”
“It’s hard to compare myself with historic Barcelona players. I’d prefer to write my own story and make my own way.”
