The biggest derby of the opening night of the new UEFA Nations League campaign will take place in Amsterdam (21.45), where the Netherlands and Germany will meet for the first time in two years, both with new managers and international debutants on the sidelines: Xavi Hernandez and Jurgen Klopp, respectively.And even though the visitors can be considered slight favourites, the Oranje definitely have a chance to win, especially since their captain, Virgil van Dijk, decided to stay with the national team and remain one of its key figures.Witty Klop with a subtle dig at Xavi: "I know more of his player than him"However, the defender couldn't deny that he wasn't sure whether he'd continue his international career, especially after the disappointing World Cup exit – they lost to Morocco on penalties in the Round of 32 – the following rumours and criticism that he had been the one behind the Netherlands' decision to play with five defenders."It was said in the media that it had been my decision to play with five defenders: sheer nonsense.""I think I have indicated quite often that I am not in favor of playing with five defenders. Apparently, some people still want to throw that out there in the media," he said via NOS.Xavi Simons' heartfelt post for his namesake and new Netherlands coach: "What are the odds…"And by "some people", Van Dijk doesn't mean former Oranje head coach Ronald Koeman, with whom he claims to have had a fantastic relationship ever since their time together at Southampton.After all, the 63-year-old tactician made him the Netherlands captain for the first time in 2018.16.30: (2.20) Team FC (3.05) El Daklyeh (3.35)"He has been a very great person in my career. I will always have appreciation for him.""I had a very long and very good conversation with Ronald. I am so grateful to Ronald; I was left with absolutely no bad feelings about him.""Of course, I was left with a bad feeling about the elimination, and especially the way it happened; that is logical. But on a personal level, not at all."Van Dijk and Koeman had an excellent partnership (©Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images/Gallo Images)Koeman left, and Xavi took over the national team. And even though the Spaniard is a renowned name in football, Van Dijk still wasn't sure he wanted to stay with the national team – all for one particular reason."I never doubted myself; physically I am doing well. But you also have to maintain the enjoyment and feel the appreciation."When asked if he occasionally missed that appreciation in his homeland, he simply said: "Let others decide that."However, it took Xavi just ten second to convince Van Dijk to stay, as the Spaniard apparently knew which buttons to push.🚨😂 𝗠𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗕𝗔𝗟 🚨🗣️ 🇳🇱 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗹 𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗷𝗸 on deciding to continue with the Dutch National Team:“I had a meeting with Xavi. Within 10 seconds I knew I had to continue.”🗣️ Reporter: “How? Why so…— kickoff (@Trollkickoff) September 23, 2026 "He said that I am Virgil van Dijk. You want to feel appreciation, and it is certainly there.""I want to be there at the European Championship and be important for the team. We have to give the national coach time. But we are going into it with confidence and a lot of positivity," the 35-year-old concluded.UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE A Thursday21.45: (2.40) Netherlands (3.60) Germany (2.80)21.45: (1.75) Norway (3.95) Denmark (4.45)21.45: (1.20) Portugal (6.75) Wales (14.0)21.45: (2.75) Serbia (3.25) Greece (2.80)Friday21.45: (2.25) Italy (3.40) Belgium (3.20)21.45: (6.75) Turkey (4.40) France (1.48) UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE B Thursday21.45: (1.42) Austria (5.00) Israel (6.60)21.45: (2.45) Kosovo* (3.15) R.Ireland (3.05) Friday19.00: (1.87) Georgia (3.50) N.Ireland (4.30)21.45: (2.25) Hungary (3.35) Ukraine (3.25)21.45: (1.70) Poland (3.60) B&H (5.30)21.45: (1.50) Sweden (4.40) Romania (6.50)UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE C Friday19.00: (1.75) Armenia (3.50) Latvia (4.50) 21.45: (1.77) Montenegro (3.45) Cyprus (4.40)UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE D Thursday19.00: (3.05) Andorra (2.95) Malta (2.40)21.45: (11.0) Liechtenstein (4.50) Lithuania (1.30)***odds are subject to change***