In the second matchday of the UEFA Nations League A, the Netherlands national team secured a 2-1 away victory over Serbia, claiming their first win under Xavi's management as head coach of the Dutch national team. Following the match, Xavi attended a press conference to address media questions.

Coach, congratulations on the victory. In your view, was today's match similar to last Thursday's game – with significantly better play in the second half than in the first?

Yes, I completely agree. In the second half, we controlled the game much better. We better understood the tactical intention to attack space at the right moments. That's why today we pushed Reijnders higher up the pitch, and we had Gravenberch and Summerville in midfield, with Denzel Dumfries covering the flank to create space for teammates. We need to recognize that we must attack space more effectively at the right times. We expanded the width of the field and created chances, but of course it was very difficult as well; playing away matches like this is always extremely challenging. However, at least in the second half we showed ourselves very well, whereas in the first half something was missing. We need to switch the ball from one side to the other more quickly, but attacking against such a deep, compact defensive block is always very difficult.

What personally impressed me in the closing stages was that the team constantly pressed the ball, with the entire team pushing forward rather than retreating defensively. Was this a goal you set before the match?

Yes, at halftime I emphasized to the players that even when leading, we must maintain possession and constantly push for the next goal; this is our tactical style. Perhaps this differs from what came before—I'm not sure—but it truly reflects my coaching philosophy. We need to control the ball at the right moments and maintain high pressure throughout all 90 minutes. So yes, this may require a shift in mentality because we need to control possession. We played very well at the end of the match by bringing on Jurriën Timber and Quinten Timber, introducing energetic fresh players, as well as Gus Til, whose performance after coming on was outstanding. Many players individually performed very well. But yes, we still need more possession and more patience, though I'm certainly very satisfied.

Xavi, congratulations. What are your thoughts on Joey Veerman's performance and Mees Hilgers, who scored his first two goals for the national team?

Joey was a very important player today because he controlled the tempo of the game, didn't lose the ball easily, smoothly switched play from one side of the field to the other, and delivered very sharp passes to the attacking midfielder. Yes, he did an excellent job, showing the highest quality as a holding midfielder and providing great tactical support to his teammates. As for Mees, I'm especially happy for him, not only because he scored two goals, but also because he made huge sacrifices and contributed to the team. He initiated the high press and gave everything in the battle for loose balls. I'm so happy for him; these two goals are absolutely deserved.

Was he originally the first penalty taker?

Cody Gakpo was first. Yes, but he picked up an injury, so Mees was second.

Is the injury serious?

I don't think it's serious. It's an ankle issue, and I don't yet know the exact examination results, but we'll find out tomorrow, and hopefully it's nothing serious.

Can we say that a new generation of players showed themselves this week?

By new generation, you mean Ruben van Bommel, Mees Hilgers... Is Joey Veerman also considered part of the new generation?

Reporter: No, usually not, but in a sense, perhaps yes.

Summerville was extremely important for us because, you know, he fought hard for the team, constantly pushed forward to break lines and create scoring opportunities, and also earned that penalty. So he's a top-class player. I'm also pleased for Ruben and Mees; as newcomers to the squad, they showed strong character. I'm very satisfied and genuinely appreciate the team spirit—that fighting spirit and attitude. We're building a cohesive team, and of course in many phases of play we need to perform better, but we're still in a process of gradual development.

Hello Xavi, congratulations on your first win as national team coach. What positive impressions or moments did you see this evening that you didn't see in the match against Germany?

Regarding spirit and fighting mentality, I think that was consistent, which is encouraging. But tactically we really need to decisively attack space at the right moments, and our high press, mid-block positioning, and defensive line movement also need improvement, but that's normal—it's just a matter of time.

Judging purely on the quality of play, was tonight's match better, or was the performance against Germany more impressive?

Overall quite similar, just different game models. Today we had greater possession advantage, playing against a team that defended deep with all players behind the ball. The situation against Germany was completely different, though the second half of that match was somewhat similar to today's. But overall I'm very satisfied.

Переведено ИИ.

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