Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman recently criticized Barcelona for their decision to rush Frenkie de Jong back from injury, ultimately causing him to miss this summer’s European Championship with his country. Koeman pointed out that De Jong was not fully fit when he was pushed to play in important games.
The midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, was initially named in the Oranje’s squad for Euro 2024 but had to withdraw due to an ankle problem that he sustained during Barcelona’s match against Real Madrid in April. This injury was the third ankle problem he faced last season, raising questions about the management of his recovery.
Koeman emphasized that Barcelona hurried De Jong’s return for the Champions League games against Paris Saint-Germain, despite his lack of match fitness or proper training sessions. This move, although understandable from Barcelona’s perspective, proved to be detrimental to De Jong’s overall recovery and well-being.
Despite returning to preseason training at Barcelona, De Jong’s exact return to the field remains uncertain. While he is expected to be ready for the LaLiga opener against Valencia, Koeman hinted that his injury may be more severe than previously assumed. This uncertainty has left both De Jong and Koeman concerned about his long-term recovery.
Netherlands’ Performance Without De Jong
In De Jong’s absence, the Netherlands managed to reach the semi-finals of the European Championship, only to lose 2-1 to England. This outcome highlights the impact of rushing a player back from injury, as it not only affects the individual but also the team’s overall performance and chances of success.
As the Netherlands prepare for upcoming matches in the UEFA Nations League, and Barcelona gears up for games against top European clubs in the United States, the focus remains on ensuring that players are fully fit and ready to perform. The lessons learned from De Jong’s situation serve as a reminder of the importance of patience and caution when dealing with injuries in professional sports.
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