Netherlands’ coach expressed satisfaction with his team’s spirit

Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández expressed satisfaction with his team’s spirit after Sunday’s 2‑1 Nations League win over Serbia, but stressed that significant footballing improvements are still required. The victory moved the Dutch top of Group A2 and strengthened their push toward the quarter‑finals in March. Xavi said his players “fought like a family” and adapted well after switching formations mid‑match, acknowledging Serbia’s strong pressing and the difficulty his side had in controlling possession.

Across his first four games, Xavi has experimented with multiple systems, earning a draw against Germany, an away win over Serbia and a comeback 2‑2 result in Greece. He praised the squad’s values and character but highlighted the need to tighten defensive structures, noting the Netherlands have conceded in 12 straight matches. Clean sheets, he said, “take time.” Xavi plans to monitor players closely before November’s fixtures against Greece in Amsterdam and Germany in Berlin.