Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde condemns Guardiola’s De Jong talks
Posted Monday, January 28, 2019 by squawka.com
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has hit out at Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after his comments regarding Frenkie De Jong.
Guardiola previously discussed his attempts at bringing the young Dutchman to England prior to his agreed move to Barcelona.
Did De Jong make the right choice? Here is what you need to know...
1. Frenkie De Jong agreed to join Barcelona in the summer from Ajax for a reported £65m fee.
2. The 21-year-old will be contracted to the club until the summer of 2024.
3. The Dutch international was linked with a host of Europe's top clubs including Barca, City and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.
4. Guardiola recently bemoaned his side's inability to act smarter in the transfer market.
5. De Jong revealed that he spoke personally to Guardiola prior to joining Barca.
Referencing Guardiola's personal approach for De Jong, Valverde made it quite clear that he wasn't happy with the former Barca boss.
Speaking to reporters (via Marca) Valverde said: "Talking to a player who is under contract with another team is something that can't be done.
"You can't talk to a player who is under contract and that's something that isn't in my personal code but suffice to say, everyone has their own way of acting.
"Everything depends on the performance that De Jong gives in the future and he'll need to adapt despite coming in from a club with a similar philosophy to us at Barcelona.
"He's young and the club has to look at that but we are incorporating players who are enriching the game and can be important for us."
De Jong's comments
The young Dutchman spoke to reporters following the announcement of his move to the Catalonia giants.
De Jong admitted that he spoke with both Guardiola and representatives of PSG but ultimately decided to join Valverde and company at the Camp Nou.
De Jong said: "I spoke with Paris Saint-Germain, as well as with (Pep) Guardiola about signing for Manchester City.
"Everyone wants to convince you when they want you.
"I am happy and proud that they wanted me, but I decided to sign for Barcelona."
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