Xavi on Memphis absence from Dutch squad, Corinthians man still in frame | OneFootball

Xavi Hernández’s first squad announcement as head coach of the Netherlands did not include Memphis Depay, Corinthians striker and the national team’s all-time leading scorer. The coach, however, made it clear that the absence of the No. 10 does not mean he has been permanently dropped from the team.

During a press conference this Monday (21), the coach revealed that he spoke personally with Memphis before finalizing the squad. Xavi highlighted the way the player received the decision and said he still holds the striker in high regard.

Photo: Marcel van Dorst/NurPhoto via Getty Images

“The hardest decision may have been talking to Memphis. I have a good relationship with him, and he was incredible. His reaction was incredible, very mature. He understood everything. I have a lot of respect for Memphis, but I want to say that the doors are open for all players. The door is not closed to Memphis, nor to any other player. […] It was, without a doubt, the most difficult situation, but he showed a great deal of maturity,” he said at a press conference this Monday (21).

The Netherlands coach was also asked about the specific reason Memphis was left out of the squad. The player has scored only one goal for Corinthians this year, although he is the Dutch national team’s all-time top scorer. Xavi, however, chose not to reveal details of the conversation he had with the striker.

“That is confidential, you know? It’s a conversation between me, as the coach, and Memphis. He knows everything. He understood the situation, and that is the most important part.”

Upcoming matches

Xavi will make his debut in charge of the Netherlands this Thursday (24), against Germany, in the Nations League. The match will be the Spaniard’s first in charge of the national team after taking over the role. The Oranje will play a sequence of four matches during this FIFA window. After the opener against the Germans, the team will face Serbia twice and close out the international period against Greece.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.