Nations League
Xavi Hernández aims to beat Greece in the Nations League
Xavi Hernández oversaw yesterday the Netherlands national team training, while today, at the Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki, Greece and the Netherlands battle for the top of Group 2 of League A of the Nations League.
Standings and results
According to EFE Jordi Archs International Football, the Greeks top the table with six points after beating Serbia (1‑2) and the new Germany of Jürgen Klopp (0‑1). The ‘the Oranje’ have accumulated four points and aim to take the lead with today’s win. The Netherlands' last appearance was a 1‑1 draw against Germany in Amsterdam.
“We must not fear Greece, but we must respect them. They are playing well and have a lot of talent, especially up front. It will be a tough match,” Xavi Hernández said at the press conference.
Greece line up Tzolakis; Vagiannidis, Retsos, Mavropanos, Tsimikas; Karetsas, Androutsos, Zafeiris, Tzolis; Pavlidis and Tetteh, under the direction of Ivan Jovanovic. The Netherlands start with Verbruggen; Dumfries, Jurriën Timber, Van Dijk and Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Veerman and Reijnders; Summerville, Meerdink and Ruben van Bommel, coached by Xavi Hernández.
Injuries and rotations
The absences of Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo, injured against Germany and Serbia, add to the missing Jan Paul van Hecke, who withdrew from training after a strong foot injury in Belgrade. Unlike other coaches, both Ivan Jovanovic and Xavi Hernández seem to keep their line‑ups virtually unchanged.
Xavi left the possible repositioning of captain Virgil van Dijk from left to right hanging, while Jurriën Timber could replace Van Hecke. In midfield, Gravenberch and Reijnders continue as stable pillars, and Joey Veerman has taken on the role of “conductor” after Quinton Timber’s departure.
On the right flank, Crysencio Summerville remains a key piece because of his explosiveness. Brobbey’s injury forced Xavi to debut Mexx Meerdink, 23, who shone with a brace against Serbia. Moreover, the 22‑year‑old Ruben van Bommel provided a great assist to Liverpool’s striker in the clash against the ‘Mannschaft’.
The contrast between the Netherlands’ defensive solidity and Greece’s attacking talent highlights the challenge Xavi Hernández faces: maintaining the advantage while respecting the opponent’s quality.