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Xavi Hernández coaching tenure with Netherlands

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-20 21:42 UTC → 2026-09-21 11:21 UTC · added removed

Following his appointment to succeed Ronald Koeman, Xavi Hernández finalized the coaching staff for the Netherlands national team. The technical team includes Ruud van Nistelrooy as an assistant coach, alongside Adil Ramzi, Óscar Hernández, Sergio Alegre, Patrick Lodewijks, and Iván Torres. KNVB director Nigel de Jong stated that Hernández was selected for his “passion, personality, and alignment with the Dutch football identity,” with a contract running until 2030. Hernández has since announced his 26-man squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Germany, Serbia, and Greece. The selection features several notable omissions, most significantly veteran striker Wout Weghorst and top scorer Memphis Depay. The squad also includes fresh names, such Depay, as well as Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiël. Due to Luciano Valente. To address injuries to Justin Kluivert and Donyell Malen, Hernández has called up PSV midfielder Guus Til and AZ attacker Mexx Meerdink Meerdink. The squad also includes fresh names such as replacements. Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiël, alongside established players like Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké, and Cody Gakpo. Addressing Weghorst’s exclusion, Hernández stated that while the striker is not on the current list, “the door is still open,” noting the team has various tactical options with existing forwards and wingers. Weghorst, the 34-year-old FC Twente forward, previously expressed that he was not surprised by his exclusion, noting he had sensed his time with the national team might be ending as far back as the World Cup. He stated he remains available for future call-ups, omission, remarking, “Perhaps they will miss me very much soon, or perhaps not,” and adding, but added, “I will never refuse. It is the greatest pride to play for your country.” Former striker Wim Kieft criticized the move as “remarkable,” questioning whether if Hernández’s preference for a dominant, attacking style might overlook the specific overlooks Weghorst’s tactical utility Weghorst provides. utility. Additionally, analyst Hans Kraay Jr. criticized the KNVB for keeping most training sessions closed to the public, describing calling it as a “huge missed opportunity” for supporters. opportunity.” The Netherlands is scheduled to face Germany on September 24 at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-21 11:21 UTC Xavi Hernández coaching tenure with Netherlands
  2. 2026-09-20 21:42 UTC Xavi Hernández coaching tenure with Netherlands
  3. 2026-09-19 14:27 UTC Xavi Hernández coaching tenure with Netherlands
  4. 2026-09-19 07:42 UTC Xavi Hernández coaching tenure with Netherlands

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