Xavi has chosen to share the lineup with the players approximately 1.5 hours before the game. In a press conference, he explained that he prefers to share the lineup late to keep the players focused. Micky van de Ven, a player in the Oranje camp, expressed his preference for knowing whether he would play a day in advance. He said, "I must say, I find it quite nice to know if I play the day before. But this is something we have to accept. I've never experienced this before. I've heard other guests talk about it, and they said that Spanish trainers often do this."
The decision has sparked debate among the players and media, with some questioning the unconventional approach. Metrosport wrote, "Xavi's new rule that the players don't like," stating that the players are unhappy with the decision because it makes it difficult for them to prepare. Gazzetta also expressed the players' discontent, saying, "The Dutch players seem to be at odds with this new rule." Sport24 described the decision as "unusual" and "not to everyone's taste," adding that it is being fiercely discussed both inside and outside of the Netherlands.
The players will face Greece in Thessaloniki on Thursday evening.