According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Reijnders discussed the Dutch national team, Milan, and Haaland in an interview.
Around 5:30 AM CEST on June 21st, on a rainy Saturday afternoon in Houston, the sky was overcast and there was even some hail. After the Netherlands' 5-1 victory over Sweden, Reijnders appeared in the mixed zone, facing a large group of reporters with microphones waiting for interviews. He was polite, calm, and patient, refusing no one: Dutch newspapers, websites, and TV reporters, British reporters eager for news on Haaland, Korean, Japanese, Mexican, and American journalists, and finally, us. We stopped him between questions to talk about Milan, the Dutch national team, Malen, Gakpo, Haaland, and Italy, which still holds a place in his heart. Last summer, Reijnders transferred to Manchester City after two seasons with the Rossoneri. His statistics at Milan were excellent: 1 trophy, 104 appearances, and 19 goals.
Can the Netherlands win the World Cup?
Yes, we can do it, and we are working towards that goal. After the first match against Japan, we looked at each other and said we had to improve. Well, I think we did.
What went wrong against Japan?
Conceding a goal in the last minute really deflated us, which was a shame. We were facing a strong team, but against Sweden, it was completely different.
What was the key against Sweden?
Scoring early and basically sealing the game after 15 minutes. The team maintained a high defensive line throughout. We exploited both flanks and scored goals. Brobbey and Gakpo were excellent, as was the whole team.
Regarding your involvement in the first goal
If I had to choose the best goal of the match, I would choose that one, but the result of this match, these 5 goals, are all thanks to the whole team.
Perhaps that's also due to Guardiola's guidance, right?
He is a genius. This year he taught me a lot, he always helps me and always communicates with me. He calls this kind of assist a 'pre-assist': you start an attack, and after a few passes, it eventually leads to a goal.
Why does Gakpo seem like a different person when he joins the national team?
I don't know his situation at Liverpool, so I won't comment on that, but he is very crucial for us. We're talking about a champion player who scored two decisive goals. I'll say it again: we are very strong.
What about Malen? He was substituted after playing 45 minutes on Saturday.
He is our striker. Everyone clearly saw what he did in Roma. I've played in Italy, and I know how difficult it is. We trust him.
Speaking of Italy, do you miss Milan?
I have a lot of affection for the Rossoneri, Milan is in my heart now and will always be in my heart. Those were two very good years, I learned a lot and grew as a player and as a person. I will never forget it.
Have you been in touch with Ibrahimovic? He is now a commentator in the United States.
Yes, I know. I saw him here. We haven't messaged or talked yet, but if I see him, I'd love to give him a hug.
Will you miss Italy at the World Cup?
Of course. I'm sorry about that, but they will bounce back soon.
Will Haaland be the top scorer at the World Cup?
I watched the match against Iraq. What more can I say about Haaland? He always scores, he's a goal machine. I see him in Manchester City training too. Believe me: he doesn't miss there either.
Is he the strongest striker in this World Cup?
Haaland is my friend, but I still choose Gakpo.
Has Dumfries already started talking about Real Madrid in the locker room?
Reijnders smiled and then rushed to the team bus.
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