In UEFA Nations League A Matchday 2, the Netherlands defeated Serbia 2-1 away, securing Xavi's first victory as head coach of the Dutch national team. After the match, Xavi attended a press conference to answer questions from the media.

Coach, congratulations on the win. In your view, was today's match similar to last Friday's match – with a much stronger second-half performance compared to the first half?

Yes, I completely agree. I think we controlled the game much better in the second half. We had a clearer understanding of our attacking strategy – penetrating the spaces at the right moment. That's why today we pushed Reijnders higher up alongside Gravenberch, with Somerville in the middle, and Dumfries on the wing to create space for our teammates. We have to understand that we need to attack those spaces more effectively at the right time. We stretched the pitch and created chances, but that process is certainly very difficult. Playing away like that is always extremely challenging. But at least in the second half, we showed a very good face, while the first half was somewhat lacking. We need to move the ball quicker from side to side, but attacking a defense that's sitting so deep is always very difficult.

One thing I personally admired in the final minutes was how the team continuously pressed the ball, maintaining an attacking approach rather than dropping back to defend. Was this something you instructed before the match?

Yes, at halftime I emphasized to the players that even when ahead, we still need to keep possession and continue trying to score the next goal. This is our tactical style. Perhaps it's different from before, I'm not sure, but it's truly my coaching philosophy. We need to control the ball at the right moments and maintain high pressure throughout the 90 minutes. So yes, this might require a change in mindset, because we need to control possession. We did very well in the final minutes, bringing on Jurrien Timber and Quinten Timber with fresh legs full of energy, and Guus Til, who played exceptionally well after coming on from the bench. Many players showed individual quality. But yes, we still need more possession and patience, though I'm certainly very satisfied.

Xavi, congratulations. How do you assess Joey Veerman's performance, and Mexx Meerdink, who scored his first two international goals tonight?

Joey was a very important player today because he controlled the pace of the match, didn't lose the ball easily, moved it smoothly from one side to the other, and delivered through balls for our attacking midfielders. Yes, he performed excellently, showing the high quality of a top defensive midfielder and providing wonderful tactical support to his teammates. As for Mexx, I'm especially pleased for him, not just because he scored two goals, but because he worked hard and contributed greatly to the team. He was instrumental in pressing high, and he fought for every 50-50 ball. I'm very pleased for him; those two goals were well-deserved.

Was he the first penalty taker?

The first choice was originally Gakpo. Yes, but he got injured, so the second choice was Mexx.

Is the injury serious?

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

Did you mention that a new generation of players has stepped up this week? Can you elaborate?

The new generation includes Ruben van Bommel, Mexx Meerdink... Should Joey Veerman be considered part of the new generation?

Reporter: Not really, he might not be typical, but perhaps in some ways he is.

Somerville is very important for us because, as you know, he works tirelessly for the team, constantly running to create space, creating scoring opportunities, and earning that penalty. So he's a top player. I'm also pleased with Ruben and Mexx; as new additions to the squad, they've shown strong character. I'm very satisfied and truly appreciate the spirit the entire team has shown – that fighting spirit and attitude. We're building a cohesive team, and of course, in many phases of the match, we need to play better, but we're still in this gradual development process.

Hello Xavi, congratulations on your first win as national team head coach. Did you notice positive highlights tonight that you didn't see in the match against Germany?

In terms of spirit and fighting attitude, I think it was consistent, which is very reassuring. But tactically, we really need to attack those spaces decisively at the right moment. High pressing, midfield zonal defense, and the coordinated movement of our defensive line also need to be better executed, but that's fine – it's just a matter of time.

In terms of overall match quality, was tonight's performance better, or was the display against Dortmund more impressive?

Overall they're similar, just different in how the match unfolded. Today we had a much greater advantage in possession, facing a team defending deep. The situation against Dortmund was completely different, although the second half of that match was somewhat similar to tonight. But overall, I'm very satisfied.

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