In the opening match of the UEFA Nations League, Xavi's Netherlands drew 1-1 with Germany at home. After the match, Xavi discussed the team's second-half performance, the displays of two substitute players, and Brobbey's injury during the post-match press conference.

Hello, coach. I think there was a big difference in the team's performance between the first and second halves. Do you agree? The substitutes also made a great impression when they came on in the second half. You were once a young player yourself. What did you tell Mees Meerdink and Ruben van Bommel when they were on the sideline preparing to come on?

Xavi: First of all, I'm very satisfied because we played well. To be honest, I think we played better than Germany today and deserved more. Especially in the second half, we played extremely well. I'm happy because we showed the type of football we want to play in the second half.

The first half was quite balanced between the two teams. As for the players who came on, I'm very satisfied with their performance, especially those who had never played for the national team before. Mees and Ruben showed personality, ambition, and desire, which is exactly what we want to see. So I think the second half showed the direction we need to continue following.

Do you think the second-half performance gives a glimpse into the future of this team?

Xavi: Yes, I do. Yesterday we talked about wanting the team to show ambition, passion, and desire. In the second half, we pressed very well in the opposing half, won second balls, and controlled possession and the game against Germany. So yes, that's the direction we're heading.

Will this become the standard for the team going forward? The standard you're aiming for?

Xavi: Potentially. I think it can become the standard. The players were a bit nervous in the first half. Playing at home with a new coach, that's normal. But I'm happy that we scored, and we also had chances to score another. We'll continue to play this way—this is the ambition we want to show everyone.

If you could pick just one thing, which aspect of the team's performance today did you enjoy most?

Xavi: The fighting spirit demonstrated in the second half, the attitude of the players, and the winning mentality. Actually, many aspects satisfied me, and I feel very good about the team. But in the end, we only drew. We need to win.

Hello. What did you tell the players at halftime? The team's performance was much better in the second half. You just said they were a bit nervous in the first half, so what exactly did you say to them?

Xavi: I told them to have more confidence and show more ambition and aggression. Because in the first half, we were losing many duels in various areas of the pitch, allowing the opponent counter-attacking opportunities. So we needed to show a stronger desire to win. I think we did that in the second half.

What do you think about Van Dijk's goal being disallowed in the first half?

Xavi: I didn't see it clearly.

You didn't see that incident?

Xavi: I couldn't see it clearly. My coaching staff told me it should have been a valid goal, but I myself don't know the exact details.

The goal was disallowed for a foul. Brobbey touched the goalkeeper, but you didn't see the play clearly.

Xavi: Yes, I couldn't see that incident clearly.

Hello. Do you have any update on Brian Brobbey's injury?

Xavi: Unfortunately, Brian is injured. We will call up another striker.

Do you know who will be called up?

Xavi: Not yet. We need to make a decision, and I haven't had time to think about it yet.

This was also Jürgen Klopp's first game managing Germany. You mentioned that Germany lost possession in many areas of the pitch. What do you think about Germany's new style of play under Klopp?

Xavi: The first half was quite balanced, maybe 50-50 in terms of possession, and the game was very contested. But honestly, the second half belonged to us. We played better than Germany in the second half.

I think the match had two different phases. The first half wasn't bad, but the second half was the way we want to play.

In which areas can the team still improve?

Xavi: Of course, there's still a lot, including winning second balls, duels, defending, and pressing after losing possession. But I'm very satisfied with the team's performance.

Ter Stegen said yesterday that you were a very important person in his football career. He also said he was happy to play against you now. How would you rate his performance today?

Xavi: He played a very good game, and I told him so. He's a good friend of mine, and we're very close. I wish him all the best. He's a great person and a very professional player, so I'm happy for him. However, today he was on the other side. His performance was really excellent, very, very good. I think Germany earned a point today thanks to him.

What did you think of the atmosphere in the stadium today? Did you feel welcome? There were many activities organized for your first game in charge.

Xavi: Yes, of course I felt it. It was fantastic. I'm very happy and very grateful. After all, it was only my first game, and perhaps I didn't deserve such a reception yet, but the enthusiasm of everyone for me touched me deeply. They also always created a fantastic atmosphere for the players. I thank everyone for the warm welcome.

Was the improvement in the team's performance in the second half related to the fresh legs that came on? Your starting lineup was presumably already your strongest, so why did the team improve after the substitutes came on? For example, after Joey Veerman came on, and Mees Meerdink came on...

Xavi: Ah, you're talking about the substitutes. I understand. It's because we trust them. That's why they're in the squad; they deserve to be selected. I think they're in good form right now. Mees played a very good game and helped the team a lot. He was actively involved in the high press and played very well. It's a shame he didn't manage to score, but he still played an excellent game. Ruben showed personality, ambition, and desire. He regained possession and made a very good cross. That's what we want to see from them.

And Veerman?

Xavi: Veerman also played well. He completely understood what the team needed and knew that we needed numerical superiority in midfield. He controlled the game. I'm also very satisfied with his performance.

Traduzido por IA.

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