Xavi Hernandez appointed Netherlands national team head coach

Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the head coach of the Netherlands national football team through the 2030 World Cup. The former Barcelona manager succeeds Ronald Koeman following the team’s exit from the 2026 World Cup round of 32.

His appointment has drawn mixed reactions. Former Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal expressed that while he does not view Xavi as a bad choice, he personally would have preferred Peter Bosz for the role. Journalist Valentijn Driessen also criticized the KNVB, suggesting the federation did not actively pursue Bosz during the selection process.

Xavi, who cited his deep connection to Dutch football and the influence of coaches like Van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard, aims to implement an attacking style based on possession and creativity. He faces immediate questions regarding the future of veteran players such as Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay, and Frenkie de Jong.

Former Barcelona defender Sergino Dest reacted to the news by suggesting that Frenkie de Jong would be better suited to comment on Xavi’s management style, following previous tensions between the player and the coach at Barcelona.