Xavi: difficult phone call with Depay ahead of Nations League

During the press conference ahead of the upcoming Nations League matches, head coach Xavi Hernández said he found it especially difficult to call Memphis Depay and tell him that he was not in the squad. He emphasized that the decision was hard on him, but that Depay responded maturely.

Difficult choice for Depay

The Spanish manager was asked during the press moment what his toughest decision had been; he answered that cancelling Memphis was very difficult. “I found it hard to call him, but he fully understood my choice,” Xavi said.

“I know him well. I have a good relationship with him. He took it really well. He responded very maturely and he fully understood my decision,” he added.

He made clear that, although Depay is not in the squad now, “the door is not closed. Not for Memphis, for nobody either.”

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Meerdink gets chance

Xavi explained that he called up Mexx Meerdink as a replacement for the injured Donyell Malen. “I don’t know Mexx very well yet and I would like to see him get to work,” he said, indicating that he wants to see the young striker in action.

Memphis was big news in Brazil last week, where the all‑time top scorer of the Netherlands missed a penalty in the final second against Corinthians, causing his team to be eliminated from the Copa Libertadores.

Xavi and Memphis worked together at Barcelona when Xavi was coach. “I have a great deal of respect for him. The door is open for all players; if they perform well and are fit, they can return,” said the Spanish manager, emphasizing that the reason for Depay’s absence remains confidential.

Xavi Hernández lauds Depay’s maturity while dropping him from squad

The decision underscores Xavi’s willingness to have difficult conversations and his focus on form and fitness over reputation, an approach that will shape the future of the Netherlands.