Koeman backs De Jong to handle Barcelona pressure and warns of Champions League test

Ronald Koeman says Frenkie de Jong has the mental strength to cope with the pressure and criticism at Barcelona, while warning that Hansi Flick’s side will face difficult moments if they are to challenge for the Champions League.

The former Barcelona manager was speaking at a charity golf tournament at Barcelona Golf Club in Sant Esteve Sesrovires. The event recreated the atmosphere of the derby between Barcelona and Espanyol in another sport, with Koeman captaining Barcelona and Juan Capdevila leading Espanyol.

De Jong remains a regular subject of debate at Barcelona, both because of his performances and because Flick recently surprised observers by using him for a short spell at right-back against Atletico Madrid.

Koeman said he was not surprised by the Netherlands midfielder’s display in that position, having previously used him there himself.

“He knows how to play at full-back, as well as at centre-back, because he played in those positions with me,” Koeman said. “He is capable of playing in several different positions.”

The former Netherlands manager also defended De Jong’s quality and said injuries had disrupted his progress in recent years.

“He is a great player,” Koeman said. “He has suffered injuries over the past two years, and returning after that is always difficult. The same thing happened to him at the European Championship and at the World Cup.”

Koeman believes De Jong is equipped to deal with the scrutiny that comes with playing for Barcelona.

“He is very strong mentally,” he said. “He understands the level of pressure at Barcelona and I do not see any problem. He has always said that he wants to play for Barcelona, and that is what he is doing now.”

Koeman expects title challenge

Koeman views Flick’s Barcelona as the leading candidates to win La Liga, although he was more cautious when assessing their prospects in Europe.

“They are one of the leading candidates to win, but there are other strong teams too,” he said. “When we reach the knockout matches in the Champions League, difficult moments always appear.”

The former Barcelona boss also praised the work being done by Xavi Hernandez with the Netherlands.

Koeman’s comments came as De Jong continues to be assessed in different roles by Flick. His ability to operate in midfield, defence and at right-back was highlighted by the former manager, who remains confident that the player can withstand the demands of life at Barcelona.

While Koeman expects Barcelona to be among the strongest contenders domestically, his Champions League warning reflects the greater challenge posed by the knockout stages, where he believes difficult periods are inevitable even for leading teams.