Netherlands coach Xavi satisfied with first four games in charge

Netherlands' head coach Xavi Hernandez ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against Greece. | Photo Credit: AP

Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez said he was satisfied with his first four matches ​in charge and that he is working to turn the ‌squad into a family that fights for each ​other.

The Netherlands’ 2-1 Nations League victory over ⁠Serbia on Sunday took the side top of Group A2 and gave it a strong chance of advancing to the quarterfinals ‌in March.

“We fought like a family. We really had to suffer,” Xavi said.

“We had to ‌defend, but we actually wanted to play possession ‌football. ⁠But we couldn’t do that, and we couldn’t ⁠get a grip on the game because of Serbia, who did that really well.

“But when we switched to a different formation, things ​got better,” the Spanish ‌World Cup winner added.

Xavi had the Netherlands play in different formations through his first four games, which started with a home draw against Germany, followed by ‌an away win over Serbia and a come-from-behind ​2-2 draw in Greece last Thursday.

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“We now know how to dominate games in different ⁠ways. But we also know how to defend at times in a low block or a mid-block,” he said.

“In ‌terms of our core values, I’m very satisfied. The players are wonderful people. But in footballing terms, we need to improve in all sorts of areas.”

The Netherlands conceded a goal for a 12th consecutive match on Sunday, and Xavi said the side was working on ‌becoming harder to score against.

“The most important thing is that we ​score one more than the opponent, but we want a clean sheet. That takes time,” ⁠he added.

“I’m going to get some rest now first, because ⁠it was intense.

“I’ll continue to keep an eye on everyone. We are creating a family.”

The ‌Dutch next face Greece in Amsterdam on November 13 before a trip to Berlin to take on ​Germany three days later.