Kluivert Jr:Poland didn’t give us much space, De Jong made the game easier
6686 Sports News on November 15th: The Dutch team drew 1-1 with Poland in the away game of the European Qualifying Tournament of the World Cup. In an interview after the game, Kluivert believed that the opponent arranged five defenders and the team did not have much space on the field.
About the starting appearance
Kluivert Jr.: We had a special practice before the game. At that time, Koeman selected the players who had to wear practice vests, which often represented the starting players. I knew at that time that I was going to start. Of course I was very happy.
About playing against Poland
Kluivert Jr.: It has always been an honor for me to play for the Netherlands. It is great, but the game against Poland was very difficult. They arranged five defenders in the back line, so there was not much space for attack on the field, and the conditions of the field did not help us. I'm used to the conditions in the Premier League, which are very good, and in this game I even noticed that the ball didn't bounce the way I thought it would and hit my arm stupidly.
About guarding
Kluivert Jr.: Of course I have to complete the guarding task on the playing field, especially when the ball is lost, but also when a teammate loses the ball. Then you have to chase the defender and the whole team has to work together. Sometimes you tend to lose the ball, but in that case it is crucial to switch to the guarding phase.
About playing alongside De Jong
Kluivert Jr.: It’s great to have Van der Ven and Van Dijk in the back line. In a competitive situation with the ball, De Jong and I feel great together. He makes the game easier and he has very skilled skills at his feet. I hope we can play more games together and develop better coordination. We have played together before, but at that time I was on the wing and now I am closer to De Jong. There is still a lot of room for progress between us, but this is definitely a good thing.
About position competition
Kluivert Jr.: We have many excellent midfielders, such as De Jong, Hrafenberch, Reinders, Simmons, Timber, Schouten and me. We have different options. We need each other. The key is to be united, but such a staffing is good for the team.
Koeman doesn’t have to explain why I came on and Reinders didn’t. It was his decision. The situation in the next game may be different. The competition is fierce, but it is good for the team.
