Xavi: "The Germany game will be a very difficult test for us"

Netherlands head coach Xavi said Jürgen Klopp's Germany will be tough opponents in Monday's UEFA Nations League match in Berlin, adding that he returns to the Olympic Stadium "with very good memories".

The Netherlands beat Greece 7-0 on Friday, producing the most impressive performance of Xavi's tenure.

The win put the Netherlands top of Nations League Group A2 with 11 points. Greece and Germany, who won 3-1 away to Serbia on the same evening, are both on 8 points, with Greece second on head-to-head record.

The first meeting between the two sides ended 1-1 in Amsterdam in September. On Monday a draw will be enough for the Netherlands to finish top of the group, while Germany must win to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: "It is a very good, very difficult test for us. It will be a tough game against a strong opponent, a big challenge."

Touching on the importance of the rivalry with Germany, Xavi said: "I understand the rivalry better now, I know how important the game is."

Xavi played his last game for Barcelona in the 2015 Champions League final against Juventus at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, and lifted the trophy. The Spaniard recalled that night: "It was my last game. We won the cup. My family and friends were here. It was a big, a great evening."

Germany's 3-1 win over Serbia was their second victory under Jürgen Klopp.

The Netherlands' last win against Germany came in September 2019, a 4-2 away victory in Euro 2020 qualifying.