In the opening match of the UEFA Nations League, Xavi's Netherlands side drew 1-1 against Germany at home. After the match, Xavi discussed the team's performance in the second half, the play of two new substitutes, and Brobbey's injury at a press conference.

Hello, boss. I had the impression there was a big difference in the team's performance between the first and second halves. Do you agree? The substitutes also made an excellent impression after coming on in the second half. You were a young player yourself once. What did you say to Mees Meerdink and Ruben van Bommel when they were preparing on the sideline 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 very, very well. I'm happy because in the second half we showed the style of play we want.

In the first half, both teams were fairly balanced. As for the players who came on later, I'm very pleased with their performance, especially those who hadn't yet played for the national team. Mees and Ruben showed personality, ambition, and desire, which is exactly what we want to see. So I think the second half demonstrated the way we need to continue playing.

Do you believe the second-half performance offered a glimpse into the future of this team?

Xavi: Yes, I do. Yesterday we spoke about wanting the team to show ambition, passion, and desire. In the second half we pressed very well high up the pitch, we won second balls, and we controlled possession and the match against Germany. So yes, this is the direction we're heading.

Will this become the standard for the team from now on? The standard you're aiming for?

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

If you could choose just one thing, which aspect of the team's performance pleased you most today?

Xavi: The fighting spirit shown in the second half, the players' attitude, 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 be more confident, to show more ambition and aggression. Because in the first half we lost a lot of duels in different areas of the pitch, allowing our opponents to create counterattacks. So we needed to show greater desire to win. I think we managed that in the second half.

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

Xavi: I didn't see it clearly.

You didn't see that sequence?

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

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

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

Hello. Any updates on Brian Brobbey's injury?

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

Do you know who will be called up?

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

This was also Jürgen Klopp's first match as Germany coach. You just mentioned that Germany struggled to keep possession in many areas of the pitch. What do you think of Germany's new style of play under Klopp?

Xavi: The first half was fairly balanced, perhaps 50-50 possession-wise, and the match was very competitive. But honestly, the second half was ours. In the second half today, we played better than Germany.

I believe there were two distinct phases to the match. The first half wasn't bad, but the second half was how we want to play.

In which areas can the team still improve?

Xavi: Of course, there's much room for improvement, 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're a very important person in his football career. He also said he was happy to play against you now. How do you rate his performance today?

Xavi: He played an excellent match, and I told him so. He's a dear friend and we're very close. I wish him all the best. He's a good person and a very professional player, so I'm happy for him. However, today he was on the opposing side. He played very, very well. I believe Germany can thank him for getting a point today.

What did you think of the atmosphere in the stadium today? Did you feel welcomed? There were many activities organized for your first match as coach.

Xavi: Yes, I definitely felt it. It was fantastic. I'm very happy and very grateful. After all, this was only my first match, and perhaps I don't yet deserve such a welcome, but the enthusiasm everyone showed for me touched me deeply. They also created a fantastic atmosphere for the players throughout. I thank everyone for the warm welcome.

Was the team's improved performance in the second half linked to the entry of the new players? Could your starting lineup have been stronger, so why did the team improve after the substitutes came on? For example, after Joey Veerman and Mees Meerdink came on...

Xavi: Ah, you're talking about the substitutes. I understand. Because we trust them. That's why they're in the squad, and they deserve to be. I think they're in good form right now. Mees played an excellent match and helped the team greatly. He was actively involved in the high press and played really well. It's a shame he couldn't score, but he still played an excellent match. Ruben showed personality, ambition, and desire. He won back possession and made an excellent cross. This is what we want to see from them.

And Veerman?

Xavi: Veerman also played very well. He understood perfectly what the team needed, knowing that we needed numerical superiority in midfield. He controlled the match. I'm very satisfied with his performance as well.

Tradotto dall'IA.

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