Xavi reveals why Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was substituted against Greece: ‘He told me he can’t continue’

Xavi reveals why Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was substituted against Greece: ‘He told me he can’t continue’ Barcelona have received a potentially reassuring update on Frenkie de Jong after the midfielder was substituted at half-time during the Netherlands’ 7-0 victory over Greece in the UEFA Nations League on Friday, November 13. Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez confirmed that the Barcelona midfielder was experiencing discomfort in his back, prompting the decision to withdraw him despite his impressive first-half performance.  However, the Spanish coach expects De Jong to be available for Monday’s important meeting with Germany, suggesting the problem is not currently considered serious. The substitution initially raised concerns for Barcelona, particularly because he just returned to action. Xavi explains why Frenkie de Jong was substituted De Jong captained the Netherlands against Greece and helped his team establish complete control before the interval.  The midfielder dictated the tempo through his distribution and positioning as the Dutch side raced into a five-goal lead. However, he did not return for the second half, with Teun Koopmeiners replacing him after the break. Speaking after the match, Xavi explained that the decision was influenced by discomfort De Jong had already been experiencing before kick-off. “He had discomfort in his back. He told me he can’t continue playing. Even before the game, he already had some problems,” said the former Barcelona manager. Netherlands thrash Greece but De Jong’s fitness a concern The Netherlands produced an outstanding attacking performance, with Tijjani Reijnders scoring a hat-trick and Jurrien Timber adding two goals.  Frenkie de Jong was taken off at half-time against Greece. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) Crysencio Summerville and Donyell Malen also found the net as Xavi’s side secured a 7-0 victory at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.  Notably, the Dutch had already established a five-goal advantage before half-time. The comfortable scoreline meant the Netherlands could manage the second half without needing to depend on their captain to maintain control.  Nevertheless, De Jong’s withdrawal was quite notable because he had been central to their first-half dominance. Xavi subsequently offered further encouragement regarding the midfielder’s availability, saying, “I think he can play vs Germany on Monday.”