Xavi Hernández applies to become Netherlands national team coach

Xavi Hernández has reportedly offered himself as a candidate to become the head coach of the Netherlands national football team. According to journalist Valentijn Driessen, Xavi approached KNVB director of top football Nigel de Jong after discussions with Arne Slot failed. While KNVB officials initially viewed the interest as an option, the organization was primarily focused on Michael Reiziger. Reiziger reportedly believed he was the preferred successor to Ronald Koeman until the KNVB pivoted toward Xavi after failing to find sufficient support for Reiziger.

Journalist Hugo Borst has criticized the sudden nature of the appointment process and the commentary surrounding it. Borst expressed disagreement with Driessen’s prediction that Xavi is ‘doomed to fail,’ arguing that the new coach should be given time to implement his vision. Borst emphasized the need for the national team to play more attacking and passionate football, regardless of occasional losses, and questioned the relevance of Xavi’s recent coaching experience in the Middle East.