,, Out of respect you do not talk about the number of goals. They are just matches, in which you have to play full from the beginning to the end and be good. An early goal is pleasant. But we have to win in the first place. If that is possible with good football and several goals, then that is beautiful, “said the national coach who got rubbed under his nose in the small press hall of the Dariaus Ir Gireno Stadionas that he did not know on Thursday that the qualifying group might eventually be decided on goal difference.
Ronald Koeman about departure Frenkie de Jong: ‘Too risky to let him play’
,, That was a mistake that I didn’t know. But I never worried, “said Koeman.” Because I think we are obliged to become number one in the group in our stand. I had assumed that it was about mutual results, as it was in the qualification for the European Championship. So I was not well informed. Sorry. “
Disappointment after Poland
Koeman looked irritated with Poland after the game. ,, I was disappointed by the draw, because I think you should win from Poland if you play such a match. I don’t have any trouble winning competitions. But I have had that all my life. “
Ronald Koeman with Denzel Dumfries next to him. © ANP / ANP
Against the Lithuanians, who will close things just like the Poles, the Orange will have to look better than after the break in De Kuip. ,, We have to play from backwards as quickly as possible, change side, have people in the sixteen -meter area and the last ball must be better. But that does not mean that it was a bad game against Poland, because it wasn’t. Only it became less fast in the second half. And we didn’t make the 2-0. As a result, we thought at some point: let’s keep it that way. But unfortunately that didn’t work. “
Physically strong Lithuania
Orange is waiting – at the scoop against Lithuania – a difficult to fight opponent, according to Koeman. ,, They are physically strong. Although they have some injuries and a central defender (Edgaras Utkus, ed.) Is suspended. They defend well and receive few goals. So it will be difficult to score and we will have to create many opportunities. We don’t want to make it a physical competition, because Lithuania is stronger than we are. It is important to play our own football, get opportunities and score. And we have to put Lithuania in the counter. “
In the Baltic state, which is known for its amber that are made of jewelry, the showpiece of the Dutch national team, Frenkie de Jong, is missing. “He already had complaints in the match against Poland and that is why we changed him,” says Koeman. “He had not recovered enough to have a chance to win the Lithuanian game. I don’t believe it was very serious, but it was too risky to let him play.” When asked whether he – in addition to a replacement for De Jong – is implementing even more changes, he replied that this could be. That could entail a basic place for Donyell Malen.