Xavi targets PSV: “You have to be honest”
1 min readFor Xavi Hernandez, the third match as head coach of Oranje is on the agenda on Thursday evening. At 20:45, the Netherlands will play Greece.
In Xavi’s selection, there was initially no spot for PSV’s Guus Til. After Justin Kluivert dropped out due to an injury, the Spaniard nonetheless decided to call on Til.
Moreover, the former world footballer says that he should have selected the PSV player right away, and not only after Kluivert dropped out. In addition, Xavi praises the hard work of the midfielder.
''Guus Til is doing great. He deserved to play. I also told him: 'I was wrong, you belong in the squad'. You have to be honest'', the Spaniard admits to the camera of NOS.
Last Sunday, Til in Belgrade was important thanks to the winning assist on Mexx Meerdink against Serbia (1-2). ''He trains brilliantly, he is top to toe professional. I am very happy with him. I have already spoken with him'', Xavi continues.
Besides the PSV player, AZ striker Mexx Meerdink was also not initially selected, but Meerdink was added after former PSV player Donyell Malen dropped out. ''He works so hard for the team and he's happy. I'm also happy with him. It must be a rollercoaster of emotions, but it's going well'', said the Spaniard.
Comments8
The bit about rotating the XI... i get the minutes management, but it can disrupt their rhythm. If they want fresh legs, ok, but dont change the structure too much, especially in big games. 👀
ngl i like the lineup, but the substitution timing felt off. We were starting to build momentum, then it got chopped and the tempo dropped. 💀
"We need consistency in the pressing." Sure, but the pressing has to start as a unit. Too often one player jumps and then the rest are late, thats how you get counters, not goals. 🤬
Goal!! if that move with the overlap was the plan, then finally we look like we can punish wide. But next match we need the same intensity from minute 1, not only after we score.
When he said we need to be more direct, i agree but not like this. The ball goes forward too early, and our second ball isnt always there. 😅
Need to see more control in midfield, if they keep giving away that first pass then opponents will just run at our back line. 👀 PSV should dominate possession, not chase it.
Wat ik vooral snap is the idea to get more control in midfield. Tbh if the coach tells the wingers to track back first and then attack, that could make the 2nd phase runs way more dangerous. 🔥
If PSV keep using that high press like the article says, i can see it forcing turnovers quickly. But with how easily they get exposed in transition, they need to cover the space behind the fullbacks, otherwise it will get ugly.