Barcelona left the Champions League in a dramatic way on Tuesday evening, when Inter came in extra time in extra time, but there was certainly an attempt by manager Hansi Flick to say that he was proud of his players. It was a message reflected in the Catalan media in the aftermath, and a message with which Inter Manager Simone Inzaghi agreed.
The players were a little more down, with Frenkie de Jong Heartbroken during an interview after the game, while Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Gerard Martin were in tears. Ronald Araujo said that Flick's message was consistent with what he also told them in the dressing room.
In fact, it was De Jong that Inzaghi chose special praise at the Giuseppe Meazza. After praising Lamine Yamal after the first leg, he had friendly words for the Dutchman this time.
“A lot was said about Yamal, I saw another extraordinary player about these two legs that were injured the last time we played them,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia, via football Italia.
“Frenkie de Jong made as much impression on me as Yamal, he cleans the ball, time that goes well, he is great. I would not change my players for someone in the world, but I found De Jong very sensational about the two legs.”
He further said that the Blaugrana brought the very best out of his side.
“We also have to compliment Barcelona, because they are really a strong opponent. It required a Superinter, so I praise my boys for placing two incredible performances on the two legs. It was the only way to reach the final, I am so proud to be their coach because they gave everything and those who came from the bank also had the right posture.”
“They have to enjoy every moment for these fans, we are really happy. They were exemplary. I told the players to believe that we could try to limit Barcelona, although it was not easy to do.”
De Jong has had a mixed enchantment in Barcelona since they arrived six years ago. Only six months ago, Barcelona fans were generally in favor of seeing the back of the Dutchman, but since he returned to full fitness, Flick has got the best out of him, especially since his Ajax days. His resurrection was the core of the progress of Barcelona to this point, one of the many redemption arches in the team.