Netherlands coach hunt widens: Xavi and Martínez in talks

On 12 August 2026 the Dutch football federation (KNVB) confirmed it is holding Gespräche with former Barcelona star Xavi Hernández about the vacant national team coach role, while Martínez’s camp also signalled openness to Verhandlungen for the same position in the coming weeks.

Xavi enters the coaching race

The 46‑year‑old former Barcelona midfielder succeeded Ronald Koeman on the Catalan bench in 2021 and is said to be well‑connected with several decision‑makers at the KNVB and current Dutch internationals. The newspaper De reported that the Dutch association has spoken with Xavi, but gave no concrete details on the negotiation stage.

According to the same source, Xavi’s career record across all competitions totals 239 matches, with 157 wins, 36 draws and 46 defeats.

Martínez’s openness and hurdles

Roberto Martínez, 53, and his agent Jesse De Preter told Voetbal International that the Spaniard is fundamentally open to Gespräche with the KNVB about the vacant Bondscoach post. De Preter added that no formal talks have taken place yet.

“If Nigel de Jong calls, we will talk,” the agent said, noting that the KNVB traditionally prefers a Dutch coach and that financial expectations may be far apart, making a deal uncertain.

Martínez most recently coached Portugal, exiting the World Cup after a loss to eventual champions Spain. Should a deal be reached, he would become the first foreign Bondscoach of the Niederlande since Ernst Happel, who left after the 1978 World Cup final.

Before these names emerged, the federation had also considered former manager Louis van Gaal and former defender Michael Reiziger as possible candidates.

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