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Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman praised his squad’s potential after securing World Cup qualification on Monday but emphasized the need for them to demand more from each other to succeed at next year’s finals.
He has high expectations for the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., citing the squad’s quality following their 4-0 win over Lithuania that secured first place in their qualifying group.
“We have a great squad with a lot of competition, as evident from the performance of the substitutes. These are tough choices because of the quality,” he stated.
Koeman highlighted that competition within the squad is crucial for bringing out the best in everyone.
“If we raise our expectations of each other, making each other bigger, stronger,
and better, then much is possible.
“Virgil van Dijk plays a role, Frenkie de Jong plays a role, Memphis Depay plays a role. That forms the core of our team. Nathan Ake, Denzel Dumfries … they are experienced players who have been performing at the highest level for years and know what is expected.
“When young players join, leadership is needed, and it can’t always come from the coach,” Koeman added.
“We discuss this regularly. We must improve, demanding even more from each other, because if there’s no belief in more, there’s no point.”
Koeman sees enormous potential for the Dutch, who now await the draw next month to determine their opponents at the finals in June.
“This squad is capable of playing very well, which makes it difficult to accept mistakes. Mistakes during the World Cup could result in an early exit. And that would be a shame, given the quality of this great squad,” he added.
