Koeman: Netherlands not favourites for Germany clash
Netherlands could reach the Nations League Finals on Monday, but Ronald Koeman does not make his team favourites against Germany.
Published : Nov 19, 2018 00:42 IST
Ronald Koeman rejected suggestions Netherlands will be favourites for its Nations League clash with Germany, despite the 2014 world champion having already been relegated from their group.
Germany's miserable 2018 campaign has continued after its group-stage exit at the World Cup, Joachim Low's side failing to win any of its opening three Nations League matches.
With France and Netherlands both beating Germany, it meant its
Avoiding defeat would see Koeman's revitalised Dutch squad pip France to a place in the Nations League Finals next year, but the coach does not believe his side are guaranteed to secure progression.
"I don't think it's reasonable to see us as the favourites," Koeman told a media conference.
"[When] France [played] against Germany, Germany was the better team. When Germany played us, many said they were the better team.
"Playing against Germany is much tougher than against France for us, because France are more patient then Germany.
"I don't think Germany have to panic. They still play good games, although the World Cup was not so good, in the Nations League they could have won some games.
"They still have a lot of talent but transition takes time. I understand it's hard for [the] Germans because they are, even more than us, used to winning a lot."