Xavi Hernandez: Netherlands must respect Greece but have no reason to fear them

Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez says his side must respect Greece without being intimidated when the teams meet in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.

The match will be the third fixture in Group B of League A, with Greece looking to maintain their perfect record and the Netherlands aiming to build on their victory over Serbia.

“We should not be afraid of Greece, but we have to respect them,” Hernandez said at his pre-match news conference. “They are playing well and have a lot of talent, especially in the forward line. It will be a difficult match.”

The Netherlands began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Germany before beating Serbia 2-1 in their second game. They are second in the group with four points, two behind Greece, who have won both of their matches.

Germany, Greece and Serbia make up the remainder of Group B.

Hernandez also confirmed that Jan Paul van Hecke is expected to miss the match after failing to recover from an injury.

“He is a fighter and tried to continue over the past few days, but today’s training showed that the pain was too severe,” said the Netherlands manager. “It is unfortunate.”

The absence of Van Hecke could require Virgil van Dijk to operate on the right side of the defence. Hernandez acknowledged that the position is not the Liverpool defender’s preferred role, but said the needs of the team would take precedence.

“Virgil van Dijk can play on the right side,” he said. “I know it is not his favourite position, but he can help the team. If we need a player in another position, the team comes first.”

Hernandez also highlighted the attacking qualities of Crysencio Summerville, who he believes can influence the game in several roles.

“He can make a difference with the ball and can play in any attacking position,” Hernandez said. “He has the qualities and ability to become a top-level player.”

The Netherlands will face a Greece side that leads the group with six points, while Thursday’s meeting offers Hernandez’s team an opportunity to close the gap at the top.