Driessen expects more intensive training under Xavi with the Dutch

Valentijn Driessen expects that the approach of national team coach Xavi Hernández will differ sharply from that of his predecessor Ronald Koeman, with considerably more training sessions for the Oranje. He points out that Xavi will make his debut on Thursday evening in the Nations League‑duel against Germany.

More training hours under Xavi

In the Kick‑off podcast from De, Driessen says: “There will really be a lot more training.” He adds that this is “really a lot more than under Ronald Koeman, a lot more hours on the field at least.”

According to Driessen, the training sessions will not be solely focused on intensive physical load. “It will not only be full intensity, but also a lot of tactical training,” he explains, with players sometimes standing still for five minutes and then being pulled a meter to the left or right.

According to Driessen, Xavi Hernández does not only look at the clubs in which players are active, but also at their individual development and how they manifest themselves in the team. He could select players from lower divisions, for example below the Premier League, if their qualities fit his philosophy.

“Xavi has a lot planned, ‘from day one it must be different’,” Driessen quotes. He sees this as a fundamental shift in the way the Oranje will operate under the new national team coach.

Driessen concludes that the increased training intensity and the new tactical focus will become visible soon, especially when Xavi leads his first match on Thursday evening against Germany.