Joey Veerman, the Netherlands midfielder who has rejoined the national team, spoke to ESPN about his return, his move to Borussia Dortmund, and his expectations under the new coach.

Sometimes when you drive to a place, you feel a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Sometimes you're nervous, and sometimes you think, "Alright, here we go again." How did you feel driving here today?

I was really looking forward to it, and the moment I arrived, it immediately felt like coming home again.

Familiar, right?

Yes, of course. I've known these players for many years, so it feels great.

Does it still make you feel excited and hopeful?

Yes. I hope everyone who comes to report to the Netherlands squad feels this way. They're looking forward to it and eager to represent their country again.

Did you ever think, "Man, it's been way too long"?

No, not at all.

Not at all?

No.

So you don't hold any resentment about it anymore, right?

No, not at all. I've put it behind me and it's done.

Exactly. You've left it in the past and moved on.

That's right. Look, I joined a really good club. For me, it's a fresh start with the national team too. So why would I look back? There's no point.

So everything just lined up perfectly, right? This transfer and a real fresh start.

Absolutely. For me, it's been really special. After five fantastic seasons with PSV Eindhoven, I'm really happy to be playing for Borussia Dortmund now.

Do you think you've changed?

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

Because sometimes when someone steps up and plays abroad, things do change, right?

Hmm... No, I don't think so. I just went there with my family, and training has been going well. I've been performing well the whole time, so right now I'm a really happy person.

Did you adapt quickly?

Yes, quite quickly. Of course, the training methods are different, and the intensity is too. Actually, I don't really like the word "intensity" because, as you know, people in the Netherlands talk about it a lot.

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

What's the main difference for you?

Look, we played Paderborn at home last week. That game is different from when I played against lower-ranked teams in the Eredivisie at home with PSV Eindhoven. So there are definitely big differences.

Because the overall level here is much higher, right?

Yes. But I also think it's about the physical condition of the players and how they press. In one-on-one situations, they go all out. So of course it's different.

Does that mean your demands will be different too?

I don't know. I'll keep trying to create space for myself. As a midfielder, you have to find a way to create one or two meters of space to receive the ball. I think I've done quite well at that so far.

Does that mean faster decision-making? For example, do you have to read space quicker and react faster? Or do you need to be more explosive?

No, not really. I think what's important is improving your physical fitness, which I'm already doing well. We do lactate tests quite frequently here in Germany.

How frequently?

I've done it twice already. Twice in one month is quite frequent. Through these tests, they can understand your endurance level, and I've done quite well on that front.

That said, we train on this every week to try to push everyone to the next level.

Of course, before you reach that point, you can't fully know what you're going to face. So now that you're here, do you find it easier than expected, or does it require a lot of effort?

I'm just happy to face new challenges, and I've looked at it that way from the start. You meet new people, new players, and new teammates. Of course, as someone new, you always have to adapt. I think I've adapted quite quickly.

A lot of things here are the same, but one major thing has changed: the Netherlands has a new head coach. How do you feel about that so far?

Hmm... He talks a lot about how the team plays and about possession. At least it sounds good.

Have you spoken to him one-on-one yet?

Not yet.

And what's the main focus when you do talk? For example, what he wants, his view of the game, and how to implement it – are those the main things?

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

But it is your first day anyway.

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

What role will you play in that system?

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

But from your own perspective, there must be something that makes you think, "This suits me" or "This might not suit me," right?

Look, I play in a double number 6 position in Germany. That's my position. I'm hoping to get the chance to play there here as well.

Good luck!

Thank you.

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