Frenkie de Jong eyes starting XI return after Barcelona comeback in Clasico defeat

Comeback ends in frustration

Frenkie de Jong enjoyed his first minutes for Barcelona this season as a substitute in Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Real Madrid in El Clasico. The midfielder, now back to full fitness after a knee injury, came off the bench in a game that left the Dutchman visibly frustrated at ending on the losing side.

"I have to say that I feel very disappointed first and foremost," he told Ziggo Sport. "It is good to be back playing, but losing the Clasico on our own ground always hurts.

"When you lose the match in this way, you are left with a bad feeling. I think we did not produce our best level throughout the match. We made more passing errors than usual.

"On the other hand, Real Madrid have players up front who possess great speed and high quality. They can hurt you with those abilities, and that is exactly what they did. Conceding a goal at the end of the match in this way is extremely frustrating."

Looking ahead

Despite the defeat, De Jong took a measured view of the situation. "It is good that this happens at the start of the season, because we can learn from it. Nothing has been decided yet, as we are still top of the league, and the Champions League is also still in its early stages."

Targeting a starting role

With his first appearance of the season now behind him, De Jong is focused on earning a place in the starting line-up. "I am ready and feel in good shape. Now, it is about gradually increasing my playing time. I have to work on returning to the starting line-up as quickly as possible," he said.

"I have great motivation, and I am very excited. And when I get the chances, I will have to prove my abilities on the pitch."

What's next

Barcelona now have a week to recover before they return to action against Alaves at Camp Nou on Saturday.