Koeman: "De Jong is mentally very strong"

Koeman defended De Jong's quality and mental strength, noting he has played him in defence and lateral positions and believes he can handle Barcelona's pressure.

Ronald Koeman, former Barcelona manager and Netherlands coach, spoke at a charity golf tournament between Barcelona and Espanyol at Club de Golf Barcelona. He defended Frenkie de Jong, who has been at the centre of Barcelona debate both for his performances and after manager Hansi Flick deployed him as a left-back against Atlético Madrid.

Koeman was unsurprised by De Jong's effectiveness in the unfamiliar position. "He knows how to play as a left-back, also as a centre-back; he did it with me. He can play in different positions," Koeman said. The former coach also praised his compatriot's quality, lamenting that injuries over the past two years have hindered his development.

"He's a great player. The last two years he's had injuries and it's always difficult to come back. It happened at the Euros, also at the World Cup."

On the criticism De Jong faces, Koeman expressed confidence in his mental resilience. "He's mentally very strong and capable of handling it. He knows the pressure at Barcelona. I don't see problems. He's always said he wants to play at Barcelona and that's what he's doing."

Koeman also backed Barcelona as La Liga favourites under Flick but expressed reservations about their Champions League prospects, citing the unpredictability of knockout football.