Xavi named netherlands coach after 50 years

Former Barcelona coach and Spain great Xavi Hernandez has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands, becoming the first foreign manager to lead the Dutch national team in nearly 50 years.

The 46-year-old has been out of management since leaving Barcelona in May 2024. He replaces Ronald Koeman, who stepped down after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco at the World Cup.

Xavi has signed a contract through the 2030 World Cup and said he has a strong connection with Dutch football, having been influenced by the philosophies of Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels during his time at Barcelona’s academy.

“I can be called a son of Dutch football,” Xavi said, highlighting the influence of coaches including Louis van Gaal, under whom he made his Barcelona debut, and Frank Rijkaard.

Ernst Happel was the Netherlands’ last foreign coach, serving from 1977 to 1978.

Xavi said he was drawn to the Dutch football culture of possession-based, attacking football, creativity and determination.

“Winning is, of course, the most important objective and always will be,” he said. “But I like to win in a way that reflects those characteristics and that people can enjoy.”

SKS