"De Jong is right, the press tells lies"

FC Barcelona centre-back Jules Kounde appeared before the media after the draw against Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. Asked about what team-mate Frenkie de Jong had said in the pre-match press conference, he replied: "I agree that the press tell lies. In that sense, he is right. He needed to express it and he's right, a lot of times things come out that are not true".

The Dutch midfielder was outraged in the run-up to the first leg of the Champions League last-16 clash. He explained that he did not see honesty with issues related to his contract with the 'Cules': "You are talking a lot about my contract, situation, salary... it's a lot of smoke and lies. You say I 'm getting paid like 40m and so on... it's far from reality. I'm not going to say figures. They have invented a story that is not true. I'm very happy at Barca, it's the club of my dreams and I hope to continue playing here for many years to come.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez also had to deal with his player's statements: "De Jong has spoken out and I understand him perfectly. Any footballer who is at Barcelona feels injustice because lies are often told.

Of course, Kounde gave his assessment of the game: "We played a good game, especially in the first half. Perhaps we lacked a bit of patience. In the second half we got Robert's goal, which was good for us and rewarded our efforts. It's a pity we conceded that goal because we controlled the game.

 

February 21, 2024