Joey Veerman, back in the Dutch national team, spoke to ESPN about his return, his experiences after joining Dortmund, and his expectations under the new coach.

Sometimes when you drive somewhere, you feel a mix of apprehension and excitement. Sometimes you're nervous, and sometimes you think, "Okay, here we go again." So, what was your mood like when you drove here today?

I was very excited. And as soon as I arrived, I immediately felt at home again.

Familiar?

Yes, of course. I've known these players here for several years already. So it felt really good.

And does it still give you that tingling, excited feeling?

Yes, it does. I hope everyone who joins the Dutch team feels that way—very excited and eager to represent their country again.

And do you still think, "Damn, it's really been too long"?

No, not at all.

No?

No.

And you're not upset about it anymore?

No, no, no.

You let it go, and it passed.

Exactly. Look, I completed a very good transfer. For me, this is also a brand new start with the Dutch team. So why would I still dwell on the past? It makes no sense.

So did everything just fall into place? This transfer and a truly new beginning.

Of course. For me, it's really fantastic. After five wonderful seasons at PSV Eindhoven, I'm very happy to be playing for Dortmund now.

Do you feel that you've changed?

Well, I don't know. I don't think so.

Because sometimes, when someone takes a step like that—going abroad to play football—things do change, right?

Hmm, no, I don't think so. I just went there with my family, and training has gone smoothly. So far, I've always been a starter. So I'm a very happy person right now.

Did you adapt quickly?

Yes, quite quickly. Of course, the training methods are different, and the intensity is also different. I actually don't really like the word "intensity," because, as you know, in the Netherlands, people often mention that word.

But now you can really feel that playing in the German league is different.

What's the main difference for you?

Look, we played at home against Paderborn last week. A game like that is different from when I used to play at home for PSV Eindhoven against lower-ranked Eredivisie teams. So there really is a big difference.

Because the overall level here is much higher?

Yes, but I also think it's the players' physical capacity and the way they press. When they're in a one-on-one situation, they go all out immediately. So that's certainly different.

Does that also mean the demands on you will be different?

I don't know. I'm still trying to find my space. As a midfielder, you have to create a meter or two of space for yourself to receive the ball. I think I'm doing quite well at the moment.

Does that mean the pace will be faster? For example, you have to assess where the space is faster and react faster? Or do you need to become more explosive?

No, no. I think the main thing is to improve my physical fitness, and I'm already working on that. Because we do a lot of lactate tests in Germany.

How often?

I've done it twice already. Twice within a month is quite frequent. Through these tests, they can assess your endurance level, and I'm quite good in that regard.

However, we train for this every week to try to raise everyone's level even further.

Of course, before taking a step like this, you can't fully know what you'll face. So now that you're actually here, do you find it easier than expected, or does it really require a lot of effort?

I'm just happy that I found a new challenge, and I've looked at it that way from the start. You meet new people, new players, and new teammates. Of course, as a newcomer, you always need to adapt. I think I adapted quite quickly.

Many things here are the same as before, but one very important thing has changed: the Dutch team has a new head coach. What have you experienced so far?

Well, he talks a lot about how the team plays, and he talks a lot about possession. At least it sounds good.

Have you spoken to him individually yet?

No, not yet.

So what's the main focus right now? For example, what he wants, how he sees the game, and how it should be implemented—is that the content?

Look, we've only had two meetings so far.

After all, it's only your first day.

Yes, exactly. So for now, it's mainly about football and the game itself. I think that's good.

So what role will you play in such a system?

I don't know. I haven't talked to him yet, so I really don't know.

But from your perspective, there must be some things that make you think: "This suits me well," or "This might not suit me," right?

Look, I play as a double 6 in Germany, so that's my position. I hope to get some playing time in that position here too.

Good luck!

Thank you.

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