Xavi demands more courage, the Netherlands must play more offensively

In the stadium of Eindhoven, where on Sunday the 2-1 against Serbia was decided, Xavi Hernández, after only one week as national coach of the Netherlands, looks back on an unbeaten start, after a 2-2 against Germany and the first win under his leadership.

Xavi Hernández is overall satisfied with the unbeaten start, but emphasizes that there is still significant room for improvement. He demands more courage from his team and a stronger offensive spirit.

Pressing must work better

Against Serbia the pressing in the first half did not work according to his expectations. The coach criticised the lack of intensity and saw it as a reason for the narrow lead. Despite the win, the performance remains incomplete for him.

Striker Mexx Meerdink, who made his debut in the game against Germany, was in the starting eleven for the first time against Serbia. He immediately used the trust and scored both Dutch goals.

Xavi also highlights that the players feel comfortable in the new system and regularly create goal chances. This development should be further expanded in the coming weeks.

Nations‑League: new goals

For the Nations‑League matches against Greece on Thursday and the home game against Serbia on Sunday in Eindhoven, Xavi has clear ideas. He demands more movement in the attacking play, a better exploitation of free spaces, a wider play over the flanks and a higher tempo in possession. The aim is to further advance the offensive development.