Xavi Hernández has been appointed as head coach of the Dutch national team. The former Barcelona midfielder was also their coach between 2021 and 2024, and has been without a job since. Now, he has been hired for the period leading up to, and including World Cup 2030, hoping to return the Netherlands to former glory after their disappointing elimination in round of 16 at this summer World Cup.
Before Barcelona, Xavi also coached the Qatari club Al-Sadd between 2019 and 2021, after retiring from Barcelona, where he played for 17 seasons. In his presentation, he said he had Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels, Louis van Gaal, and Frank Rijkaard as references as he developed in the Barcelona academy, so he feels "a special connection to Dutch football".
"The Netherlands has a rich football culture and a clear vision that strongly appeals to me: attacking football, based on possession, with creativity, passion and conviction. Of course, the main objective is always to win, but I prefer to do so in a way that reflects those characteristics and that people can enjoy watching", said Xavi. "The potential is there, as well as a strong foundation to build on."
Xavi's debut with the Oranje will be against the Germany of Jurgen Klopp on September 24, during the Nations League. Netherlands also plays against Serbia and Greece in Group B of this edition of the Nations League.
