Deco denies heated exchange with Barcelona midfielder before Royal Antwerp clash – report | OneFootball

Contrary to previous reports suggesting tensions between Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and midfielder Frenkie de Jong ahead of the Royal Antwerp match in the UEFA Champions League, the former has outrightly denied any such conflict according to TV3.

Following consultations with the involved parties, it has come to light that there is, in fact, no issue between the Director of Football and the Dutch midfielder.

On the contrary, the two engaged in a friendly telephone conversation, during which De Jong openly communicated his well-being to Deco.

What was the issue?

A few hours ago, a report emerged, saying that Deco reprimanded De Jong for missing the Champions League tie in Belgium.

The Dutch international did not travel with the rest of the team due to bad health and the sporting director reportedly lashed out at the midfielder, saying, “What do you mean, you’re ill, the doctor has certified it?”

No tension between Frenkie de Jong and Deco. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

It was suggested that Deco did not believe De Jong and perceived it as nothing but an excuse. The situation aggravated especially after the result as Barcelona lost the game 2-3.

Deco did nothing of the sort

Regardless of what has been said in the media, the truth of the matter is,

Deco refrained from scolding De Jong or making any accusations against the Dutch midfielder regarding his fever.

The sporting director became aware of De Jong’s absence in the early hours of Tuesday, prior to heading to Barcelona airport. In fact, it was Dr. Ricard Pruna who informed him after the midfielder personally called him in the morning to convey that he was unwell.

According to the information provided, it was De Jong who reached out to Deco personally during mid-morning, after having returned home following his appearance at the Ciutat Esportiva despite battling a fever.