The Netherlands will face Germany away in the 6th round of UEFA Nations League A. Ahead of the match, Netherlands coach Xavi held a press conference, answering questions about Frenkie de Jong's injury, the team's preparations for Germany, his tactical philosophy, and what returning to the Berlin Olympiastadion means to him.
Reporter: There are still 23 players in the squad, but Frenkie de Jong is not here. He was quite optimistic after the match against Greece. What happened? What went wrong?
Xavi: No, he's injured. It's a very minor injury, but he can't play tomorrow, so we decided to remove him from the squad.
Reporter: Did he want to leave the team himself?
Xavi: No, no, no. We made the decision together, as always. The team doctor told me he couldn't play, and that was that.
Reporter: Was this a request from Barcelona? Did you speak with Barcelona?
Xavi: Yes, Barcelona's team doctor is a close friend of mine—1 of my best friends in football.
Reporter: So he told you to let him go?
Xavi: It's about communication. You're a little too worried about Frenkie de Jong's situation. There's no problem. There's no problem. He's just experiencing a little discomfort, but he really can't play tomorrow.
Reporter: Of course, we’re worried. After all, there’s some history between his injuries and the club.
Xavi: Yes, I understand the situation, but there's no problem in this case.
Reporter: Okay. Are all the other players fit?
Xavi: Yes, we have 23 players in our squad, and everyone is available to play.
Reporter: What’s the plan for tomorrow? Do you want to rotate or rest some players, or what?
Xavi: We’ll see tomorrow. But the idea remains the same: we have to compete with all our might. This is a huge challenge for us and a good test. Facing Germany will be tough. I understand our rivalry with them even more now, so this is 1 of the best stages on which to show our highest level.
Reporter: When you analyze opponents, you always look for ways to surprise them. How difficult is it to surprise a coach like Jürgen Klopp? What will be most important to winning tomorrow?
Xavi: I think it's always difficult to surprise any coach, especially Jürgen Klopp. He has that ability; he's been 1 of the best coaches in recent years. It's an honor to face him tomorrow, and we'll try to surprise him. We have the ability to control the ball, play in transition, and attack in many different ways. We're doing very well right now, and I'm very happy with the players. Tomorrow will be a huge challenge and a great game for us. They need to win, so we also need to exploit the spaces they leave. It will be a very good test for us.
Reporter: The Netherlands and Germany have a special rivalry. Are you aware of it, or has someone told you about it?
Xavi: Yes, the whole team mentioned it. Now I understand it better because I'm here and can feel this rivalry. That's why tomorrow's game is very important for us. It's a great game on a bigger stage, against a top team and a top coach. It's an excellent test for us.
Reporter: Gakpo sometimes plays on the right wing for Liverpool. Of course, he can also play on the left, but how do you decide which side he plays on? Does it depend on the opponent?
Xavi: No, I think Gakpo is more comfortable on the left. But he's a top player who can make a decisive impact even as a No. 9 or a 2nd striker. However, I think his technical qualities are best suited to playing on the left, where he can put opponents under pressure. Although he didn't score or provide an assist in the last game, he had an incredible match. He kept opponents occupied, attacked all over the pitch and passed to Joey to get our attacks going. He also worked hard defensively and fought for the team, so I'm very happy to have him in the squad.
Reporter: Klopp just said he was impressed by your 7-0 victory over Greece the other day. He said Xavi was simply trying to play “Xavi-ball.” In your own words, what is “Xavi-ball”? How far along are you in developing the style of football you want the Netherlands to play?
Xavi: It's not Xavi-ball; it's all about the players. I always tell them they are the most important part of this business. If they don't have the ability, it's simply impossible to play like that. I'm trying to convince them to play this style of football, and they are fully capable of performing as they did in the last game.
Tomorrow, however, brings a new test and a huge challenge. We’ll try to do it again on such a grand stage against our biggest rivals. It’s an important test for us because we need to maintain this continuity throughout the process. I think that’s the key word: continuity.
Reporter: You have often said, “We must attack space.” Could you explain what that means for those of us who aren’t professional footballers?
Xavi: I think attacking space will be crucial tomorrow: our wingers, attacking midfielders and No. 9 all need to do it. It’s essential to move the opposition’s defence, especially against a low block. If we don’t attack space, it will be extremely difficult to create good attacks. Tomorrow should be a little different, as there will be more space. Germany usually press relentlessly; that’s Klopp’s style. Tomorrow will be a completely different game from the last 1, but it will also be very interesting to see our players attack space and deliver good passes at the right time.
Reporter: Do you think your players needed a game like the 1 against Greece to fully buy into your tactical philosophy?
Xavi: Yes, good results are important, and so is how the players feel. I think they really enjoyed themselves on the pitch in the last game. Tomorrow, we will try to do the same. It will be extremely difficult to do that in every game because we face a different opponent each time.
Tomorrow we will face a top opponent, but they are fully capable of rising to the challenge. They have the ability, and I think they really enjoyed themselves in the last game. They played so well, and I am very proud of them.
Reporter: Can they do it against Germany too? Do you firmly believe they can?
Xavi: Yes, I’m deeply convinced. I keep telling them that we have to be brave and show it again. We already know how to do that, just as we have before: in the 2nd half against Germany in the last game, during many phases against Serbia, and in the 2nd half away against Greece. We know how, and we’ll try to maintain this continuity.
Reporter: You won the Champions League final here in 2015. What are your memories of that night in Berlin? Could it be a good omen for tomorrow?
Xavi: Thank you for the question. It’s a very good 1. This stadium holds fond memories for me. That was also my last game for Barcelona, and I lifted the trophy as captain, so you can imagine what it meant to me. It was 1 of the best moments of my career, right here in Berlin.
Reporter: When you walk around this stadium now, do those special moments still come back to you?
Xavi: My family and friends were there, so it was my last game. I was very nervous because I was on the bench. I came on as a substitute for the last 10 minutes, but we won in the end. It felt incredible. That’s why I have good memories of Berlin.
Reporter: Germany’s coaching staff includes a set-piece specialist. Is that something you might consider for the Netherlands?
Xavi: Yes, we also have set-piece specialists. In today's football, having specialists in this area is very important. We work extensively on set pieces for every game, practising both defensive and attacking situations. Our players are very strong in both aspects, which is very important for us.
Reporter: So, is Patrick Lodewijks still there?
Xavi: No, it's Sergio Alegre.
umaryoung
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This Is Insane Player Always Been Injures Like Not A Huge player