Xavi opts for a late lineup, players remain uncertain

While some players, such as Micky van de Ven, prefer to know the day before whether they will start, Xavi Hernández keeps the lineup of the Dutch national team until the last moment, even in the dressing room. As a result, no one knows yet whether he will play against Serbia tomorrow.

Reason for the approach

At the press conference preceding the Sunday match, the Spaniard explains: “I like that because everyone is then focused. I don’t know if that’s correct, but that’s how I do it.” He adds that he never liked knowing that he would not play.

He backs his choice with his own experience as a player: “I have had several coaches. But if I already knew the lineup on Monday for Friday or Saturday, I felt less committed to the team during training.”

According to the national team coach, early knowledge can lead to ‘switching off’: “That’s why I prefer it this way. Everyone stays connected, good vibes.”

Xavi Hernández tests own approach with the Dutch, Van de Ven reacts

Micky van de Ven responds: “I have to say: I do like knowing the day before whether I will play. But this is something we have to accept. I have never experienced this before.”

He notes that he heard from other guests that Spanish coaches often work like this, and suggests that it may be a Spanish trait.

The combination of Xavi’s philosophy and the players’ ignorance creates a contrast between individual certainty and collective focus, an experiment that the upcoming match against Serbia will test.