As Oranje prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Malta, manager Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk spoke to the media during a press conference at the national team's headquarters in Zeist.
The Netherlands opened their qualifying account with a stable 2-0 win over Finland, but Koeman knew they could do better than what they showed after the opening half-hour. "The way we started against Finland is a good example for Tuesday's match against Malta," said Koeman.
"We started well and scored quickly. That would be ideal against Malta, of course. However, there is room for improvement in several areas, such as build-up play from the goalkeeper. We have discussed these areas for improvement in detail."
'Wallet was empty'
The Netherlands will face Malta in FC Groningen's Euroborg. It will be the first time Oranje play a match in Groningen since September 1983, when they faced Iceland in a World Cup qualifying win (3-0). Ronald Koeman, who will manage his 50th Netherlands game on Tuesday, debuted for the Netherlands in the match prior, a 3-0 loss to Sweden in Groningen.
Groningen is also where Virgil van Dijk had his breakthrough. Ronald Koeman, the manager at Feyenoord at the time of Van Dijk's Groningen days, saw the potential in the centre-half and desperately wanted to bring him to Rotterdam. "But back then, there was no money, our wallet was empty," said Koeman. "When I was at Southampton later on, the coffers were pretty full. That's when I was able to sign Virgil.
"So yes, I always saw that he had the potential to become very good, even when he was playing for Groningen. Since then, he has developed tremendously, also as a true leader. He can be proud of that."
Koeman, born and raised in the region, is happy to return to Groningen, where he also made his professional debut for FC Groningen. "I have a lot of fond memories of Groningen. ’I spent my entire childhood there. It's great that we're going to play there now. And I think it's also wonderful for Groningen that the Dutch national team is coming."
Van Dijk agreed with his manager. "Groningen has been very important to me. I met my wife there and lived alone for the first time. I only have positive memories of that time."
The Netherlands and Malta will play their World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, June 10th, at 20.45 CET.
