"I Could Say I'm a Child of Dutch Football": Xavi Appointed Netherlands Manager Amidst General Surprise
The Dutch Football Association announced on Wednesday evening the appointment of Xavi as the head coach of the Netherlands. The Spanish tactician, under contract with the national team until 2030, succeeds Ronald Koeman following a disappointing World Cup campaign.
For the first time since 1978, the Netherlands will not have a Dutch manager. Following a World Cup deemed disappointing by the Oranje, who were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Morocco (1-1, 3-2 on penalties), Ronald Koeman, who had been in charge since 2023, was dismissed by the Dutch federation.
And it is Xavi Hernandez, without a coaching contract since the end of his tenure at FC Barcelona in 2024, who will take the reins of the national team on a contract running until 2030. This marks a first for the Spanish tactician, who had previously only managed club teams.
"The Ideal Choice for the Coming Years"
In a statement released by the Netherlands federation, Xavi expressed his deep connection to Dutch football, having played at FC Barcelona "under the influence of Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels." "I could say I'm a child of Dutch football," the Catalan stated. According to Nigel de Jong, Xavi is "the ideal choice for the coming years," adopting an "attacking, dominant, and spectacular style of football, combined with the flexibility required by modern football."
For his first assignment on the Oranje's bench, Xavi will begin with Nations League matches, facing a home clash against Germany on September 24th, followed by an away game in Serbia three days later. This will be an immediate immersion into his new role.
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