Xavi: Four games in two weeks is too much; next year's schedule will probably remain the same

In the fourth round of the UEFA Nations League A, the Netherlands will host Serbia. Ahead of the match, Netherlands coach Xavi attended a press conference to answer media questions.

Reporter: Good afternoon. This is the fourth match in two weeks. I saw some players leave training early today after about 30 minutes, and yesterday was only a recovery session. What is the team's current physical condition?

Xavi: Yes, we are trying our best to recover because playing four games in such a short period of time is just too tight. It might indeed be an excessive load for the players, but that's how the schedule is arranged, and we have to adapt properly. We need to get the players back in shape; they are the core of this sport. So they must be fully energetic tomorrow night, and we have done our best to take care of their bodies. I think they should be in good competitive condition for tomorrow's match.

Reporter: Can all players play the full 90 minutes?

Xavi: Yes, all 23 players can.

Reporter: All of them?

Xavi: Yes.

Reporter: You only had two days between these two matches. How do you ensure the team won't have another slow start like in the away game against Greece?

Xavi: Are you referring to tomorrow's match?

Reporter: Yes.

Xavi: With the same starting lineup?

Reporter: Yes, but I believe you certainly don't want to see the same opening, the same start...

Xavi: No, normally we need to rotate the squad to maintain freshness. Tomorrow we will further assess the players' physical condition. However, there will definitely be some personnel adjustments, as playing a match every three days is too difficult for them. Our squad depth is sufficient, and everyone will be ready.

Reporter: But after the away game against Greece, you said the team's poor start was your responsibility. Was that a tactical mistake or a mental issue?

Xavi: No, I think it was a tactical mistake. I believe I already explained at the last post-match press conference that, given the situation in that game, we didn't actually need to keep a single defensive midfielder. We should have organized our attacks more effectively, so that was indeed my mistake. Then we adjusted the tactical structure at halftime, and it worked very well. We played aggressively in the second half, with more rhythm and speed in our attack. This is exactly the state we need to show from the very beginning of tomorrow's match.

Reporter: Four games in two weeks, three have been played, and there's one left. What are your overall feelings and assessment at this moment?

Xavi: My feeling is that, of course, we still have a lot to improve, but I'm very happy. On a human level, these players form a very cohesive unit. Everyone here at the FA is also excellent. The results are not bad, though they could have been better. But in terms of playing style, we've shown some very good moments. We need to maintain consistency throughout the process and in individual matches. For example, sometimes we play well in the second half, sometimes in the first half. We need to be more consistent. But overall, I am very satisfied.

Reporter: Hello, goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has played three games and performed very well. But do you also want to give opportunities to promising young goalkeepers like Robin Roefs?

Xavi: Yes, we have three excellent goalkeepers. We see it in daily training. I am very pleased because their relationship with each other is also very harmonious. Although I'm satisfied, Bart is currently still the first-choice goalkeeper.

Reporter: Okay, so he will play tomorrow?

Xavi: We'll see tomorrow.

Reporter: You know the significance of representing your national team for many years. I believe you played 133 times for Spain?

Xavi: Yes, that's right.

Reporter: Along with that comes immense pressure. You've worked with Virgil van Dijk for almost two weeks now; he is your captain and is about to reach his 100th cap for the Netherlands. What does that mean? What is your assessment of him after working with him?

Xavi: For Virgil, tomorrow could be a very significant and emotional day. I am very happy to work with him. He is a true leader, as is Denzel. We have excellent leaders in the team, which gives me great comfort. And he maintains his physical condition very well. 100 national team appearances is truly remarkable. If he plays tomorrow, we will congratulate him after the match. So far, I am very satisfied with Virgil; he is a true leader.

Reporter: Coach Xavi, PSV Eindhoven coach Peter Bosz has expressed concerns about Ruben van Bommel's physical condition. He just returned from a serious injury, and Dest suffered a muscle problem after returning from a serious injury. Will you be cautious when fielding van Bommel tomorrow?

Xavi: You will see the lineup tomorrow. I completely understand the club coaches; I was a club coach two years ago. We will take care of all the players. We are well aware that Ruben has experienced months of long-term injury, so rest assured, we will protect him very carefully.

Reporter: Mr. Xavi, Virgil van Dijk was not present today, so we can't ask him directly, but you also reached the milestone of 100 caps for Spain – that was against the Czech Republic in 2011. Was that a special moment for you? What do you remember about that night?

Xavi: Yes, very special. 100 national team appearances is an incredible achievement. It means you have to maintain excellent competitive form for many years under multiple coaches. It proves he is a top talent and a top player. He is still in very good form, performing exceptionally well. He will play tomorrow night...

Reporter: He will play?

Xavi: We'll see tomorrow.

Reporter: Okay, but we spoke to him after the Greece game, and he said his mother, wife, and children would be at the stadium.

Xavi: Oh, that's a lot of pressure! (laughs)

Reporter: Okay, but you still can't confirm if he'll start?

Xavi: No, I can't. He'll only know before the game tomorrow.

Reporter: Xavi, many clubs have seen players return from injury or pick up new injuries during the international break. Have you spoken to any of these clubs? Or has team doctor Edwin Hoedhart been in contact with those clubs?

Xavi: Yes, we maintain communication with all clubs. Protecting players is definitely the top priority, but the schedule itself is so tight, with almost no time to adjust, and many national teams have suffered injury crises. This period is indeed difficult. Playing four away games consecutively is somewhat unusual; the workload is simply too heavy. But clubs also need to understand that everyone wants to win, and we also want to win, and we cannot do without these core players.

Reporter: What do you think of this extended international break? Denzel was quite clear just now that he doesn't like this arrangement. What's your opinion?

Xavi: I completely agree with him. I think it's too condensed. Four games at once is too many; perhaps splitting it into three games each, or like in the past, two games per window, I think would be much better for both clubs and national teams.

Reporter: Do you think UEFA needs to re-evaluate the format of this cycle?

Xavi: Let's see after tomorrow's match. Tomorrow's match is certainly important, as it's a home game. But as of now, I am satisfied with the team's performance on the field, their attitude, fighting spirit, and the values they have shown.

Reporter: But from a longer-term perspective, could the KNVB, together with UEFA and major clubs, take action to...?

Xavi: Oh, that's difficult. Perhaps if everyone can unite and push for it, something might change, but I think next year's schedule will probably remain the same.

Reporter: Has it been decided?