Having played in three European Championships with the Netherlands, there are few players at club level who have been as successful as Clarence Seedorf.
The multiple Champions League winner (Milan, Real Madrid, Ajax) looks ahead to the Oranje’s upcoming tasks in European Championship Group D, which is a tough one with France, Austria and Poland.
Clarence Seedorf praises Austria: “Competitive at the highest level”
Clarence Seedorf on the Netherlands’ European Championship ambitions…
“In my eyes, we’ve been given the most difficult group. Nevertheless, I’m hopeful and optimistic that we’ll make it through to the round of 16. After that, a lot is possible and it will be completely open.
Above all, I want us to impress as a team. If we can do that, we can go far. But the knockout round should be in the cards. After that, the rest depends on who our opponents are.”
Seedorf on Niederland’s props…
“With Virgil van Dijk, Georginho Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay, we have a promising axis with very experienced players, plus the new generation with young talents like Jeremie Frimpong, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch.
This mix can ensure that we have a successful tournament. ”
Seedorf on group opponents Austria…
“Despite the injuries to mainstays like David Alaba, Xaver Schlager and Sasa Kalajdzic, Austria have a strong team. This team is definitely competitive at the highest level.
In my opinion, the victories in recent months against Germany (2:0) and Turkey (6:1), among others, were no coincidence, any more than they were against Belgium or Sweden in the European Championship qualifiers.
Marko Arnautovic has so much experience that he can lead his national team and take on a lot of responsibility. He’s very mature these days. With his coolness and his healthy self-confidence, he will play an important role in the ÖFB squad.”
Seedorf on group opponents Poland…
“You shouldn’t underestimate Poland. When I look at Robert Lewandowski, who is perhaps playing his last major tournament with his country, he will certainly be highly motivated. In that respect, we have the most balanced group, the toughest group, where anything is possible. ”
Seedorf for the clash on matchday 3…
“It would be a nice little final between two nations with two completely different styles of play. Ralf Rangnick is doing an excellent job. He has created certain structures within the Austrian national team.
I don’t want to say he’s turning the place inside out, but he’s really making a lot of adjustments within the ÖFB and is really building a lot for the future. ”
Seedorf on Germany: “Will certainly go far “
Seedorf on his title favorites…
“I count England and France as the hot favorites. All these teams are strong in every position.
You have to look at the list of players who have not been called up, especially in England and France. ”
Seedorf on hosts Germany…
“As hosts, the DFB team will certainly go far. Julian Nagelsmann is in the process of forming a strong squad, with a clever mix of young talents like Maximilian Mittelstädt, Chris Führich and the duo of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, plus experienced mainstays like Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich and Kai Havertz.
They are all hungry. Plus the home advantage. An early exit would of course be a disaster, but I don’t believe in that. ”
Clarence Seedorf named player of the tournament…
“At first glance, the name Kylian Mbappé certainly comes to mind, who may now be relieved after announcing his move to Real Madrid and can therefore play freely.
I’m also looking forward to Florian Wirtz after his fantastic season with Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Jude Bellingham, who made an immediate impact at Real Madrid.”
Seedorf for the Golden Boot…
“Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski and Mbappé are the favorites in the race for the Golden Boot. Romelu Lukaku and the eternal Cristiano Ronaldo will also want to have a say.”
Seedorf to Declan Rice…
“He’s had four weeks to prepare for this European Championship. He has played a strong season with Arsenal.
He’s strong in tackles, he moves between the lines with great cleverness and he has a strong shooting technique. He clearly has what it takes to become one of the big stars of this European Championship. “
