Jovanovic Urges Greece to Extend Perfect Nations League Start Against Netherlands
Greece will take a perfect UEFA Nations League record into Thursday’s meeting with the Netherlands at Toumba Stadium, with head coach Ivan Jovanovic urging his players to bring their recent away form to Thessaloniki.
Why the Netherlands match matters
Ethniki have opened Group A with two wins from two, including notable victories away to Serbia and Germany. A home result against the Netherlands would strengthen Greece’s position at the top before the return fixtures and provide the statement performance Jovanovic wants in a city closely associated with his own career.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Nations League |
| Fixture | Greece vs Netherlands |
| Date | Thursday |
| Venue | Toumba Stadium, Thessaloniki |
| Greece’s Group A record | 2 matches, 2 wins, maximum points |
| Recent Greece away wins | Serbia and Germany |
Jovanovic believes Greece must overcome the added expectation of playing in front of their own supporters. The Serbian coach said the team have shown they can produce major results on the road and challenged them to show the same authority at home.
“When we win, everything is good; when we do not, everyone wants to change everything,” Jovanovic said. “Greek supporters do not offer much time. If we are capable of big away wins, there is no reason we cannot achieve them in Greece. Wearing the national shirt is an honour for the players and they approach it wholeheartedly.”
The head coach acknowledged that the mood around the national side can change quickly after a single result. He cited Dimitris Kourbelis, whose decisive contribution has altered perceptions, as an illustration of the close scrutiny surrounding the squad. Jovanovic said that pressure also keeps both players and staff focused.
Managing a demanding international window
Greece’s preparations have also been shaped by the workload carried by players arriving from club football. Jovanovic said some members of the squad had already played three games in a week before joining the national team, while others could face as many as seven matches across club and country commitments in a short period.
With travel and recovery now central considerations, he said Greece must take greater care over the physical condition of the group. Even so, Jovanovic remains encouraged by the ability within a younger core of players.
The Netherlands arrive after winning in Serbia and present a major test. Jovanovic described Dutch football as a consistent producer of talented players and placed the visitors among Europe’s strongest national teams.
Thursday’s contest will be especially meaningful for Jovanovic, who spent 20 years of his career in Thessaloniki. Greece now have the chance to turn their early Group A momentum into a significant home result against one of the competition’s leading sides.
