According to Dutch media outlet AD, Michael Reiziger, coach of the Dutch U-21 national team, has spoken publicly for the first time about his application for the head coach position of the Dutch national team. The KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) ultimately selected Xavi Hernández, but Reiziger stated that he is confident his working methods qualify him for the national team coaching role. He also expressed frustration with external judgments made without understanding his approach.

After failing to secure the Dutch national team coaching position last month, Reiziger released a brief statement on social media responding to doubts about his candidacy. Now, for the first time, he has spoken to Dutch media about the matter.

Reporter: What specific criticism bothered you at the time?

Reiziger: "People judge my work, but they don't understand my methods at all. However, the people who nominated me do understand me, and that's what matters to me."

The KNVB ultimately selected Xavi as the national team coach last month. Discussing the competition at the time, Reiziger stated that although Arne Slot withdrew, which reduced the number of candidates, he never assumed he would definitely get the job.

Reiziger: "When you're a candidate, you know you have a chance, but you don't think you'll definitely get the job in the end."

"There was an opportunity, I won't deny that. But I also knew there were other candidates. If they ultimately don't choose you, then you have to move on. How disappointed was I? Of course there was disappointment, because it's a great job. Being the Dutch national team coach is a great honor, and it always will be for me."

Reporter: As a coach actively pursuing this important and highly prestigious position, what makes you confident that you're suited to be the Dutch national team coach?

Reiziger: "Primarily because of my working methods. I've won championships and achieved results with this approach. So I'm confident I'm a suitable candidate. It's not just me who thinks so; the people who put me on the candidate list also think so."

External doubt about Reiziger has focused mainly on his coaching experience. He previously led Ajax's youth team to a championship, then served as an assistant coach at Ajax for many years, and has now coached the Dutch U-21 national team for over three years.

Regarding the experience controversy, Reiziger said: "There will always be criticism. You're asking if I feel inexperienced? Well, yes and no. What is considered experience? What matters most is my working methods, and I believe in my methods, and the people who work with me see it too."

Reporter: Does actively seeking the head coach position mean your ambitions have reached a new level, and therefore your current cycle coaching the Dutch U-21 team will naturally be your last?

Reiziger: "We'll see. To be honest, I haven't thought that far ahead. For me, the current stage and the upcoming matches are what matter. I'm quietly hoping we can still finish first in our group, and if not, I'm hoping we get a second chance in November to reach the European Championship through the playoff round."

Currently, the Dutch U-21 team's situation in the European Championship qualifiers is not ideal, with the team sitting fourth in their group. They will next face Norway, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dutch U-21 team needs to finish at least second in their group to have a chance of reaching the European Championship through the playoff round in November.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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