NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 11:35
Depay ready for clash with Romania: ‘Tournament is only just starting’
Memphis Depay is happy to feel the confidence of national coach Ronald Koeman at the European Championship. The 30-year-old attacker was one of the Oranje internationals who was criticized a lot in the past period.
“Certainly, that is appreciated. I feel his trust and I would like to repay that,” Depay said on Sunday morning during the press conference in Wolfsburg, where he sat behind the table with teammate Denzel Dumfries.
“As long as I reach my level, I will have no doubts. But it is of course important that you feel the confidence of the person who determines the line-up.”
Depay says he still has every confidence in his team. “We kept our heads together after the match against Austria. It is clear that we have to keep going as a team.”
Better impression
The 95-times international made a better impression in the last group match of the Dutch against Austria (3-2 defeat) than in the previous matches against Poland and France. He scored the 2-2 against Austria.
“It has to be better, but I was happy because I won duels. But I think if I had scored in the first game, I would have played a good game there too,” Depay said. “As a striker you feel when you are struggling, but it is nice that I could score.”
ANPMemphis Depay (right) with national coach Ronald Koeman during Netherlands-Austria
Depay had a difficult season physically, in which he suffered from various aches and pains. He feels himself getting fitter during the European Championships. For example, he was on the field for the entire match against Austria.
“I feel I have more in the tank after 90 minutes,” Depay said. “I am also a player who can decide a match in the last twenty minutes. Then there is more space because of the fatigue of opponents.”
‘Used to criticism’
Depay says that he can handle criticism better at this stage of his career. “It also comes with age. I have been playing for the Dutch team for ten years. I am used to something,” said the footballer, who appeared at the press conference with a new haircut.
But Depay didn’t want to pay much attention to it. “It’s a quarter to eleven on Sunday, I don’t feel like talking about my hair right now.”
2024-06-30 09:35:02
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