Xavi Hernández picks a late lineup, better for the Oranje's focus
The new national team coach of the Oranje, Xavi Hernández, has introduced a typical Spanish principle: players only find out one to two hours before kickoff whether they will start. He clearly distinguishes himself from predecessor Louis van Gaal, who announced his squad days in advance. “As a player I found it terrible when I knew the lineup far in advance. This is better for focus,” Xavi explained at a press conference.
Spanish approach versus Van Gaal
Where Van Gaal often announced the lineup days in advance – even during his tenure at FC Barcelona – Xavi believes that a late announcement boosts concentration. He bases this on his own playing career, in which he often felt bored when he knew early whether he would play. According to Xavi, this makes it easier to keep every player sharp.
The practice has become increasingly common in Spain. Andoni Iraola, manager of Liverpool, applies the same principle, according to the Oranje captain Virgil van Dijk. Also Carlo Ancelotti, Luis De La Fuente and Luis Enrique use the late lineup at their clubs.
Player reactions and press moment
On Saturday evening, Micky van de Ven, defender of Tottenham, sat next to Xavi in the press room of the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade. Van de Ven admitted: “I always like to know whether I’m playing, to be honest,” but added that “we have to get used to it.” Xavi nodded and said: “He’ll find out tomorrow,” referring to Van de Ven’s uncertainty.
© Pim Ras Photography, Getty Images provided the photo of this moment. It is one of the things the Spanish national team coach changed immediately when he started his job with the Oranje: his players only learn one and a half to two hours before the match whether they will play.
Tactical changes and training environment
In addition to the timing of the lineup, Xavi has also changed the language on the training ground; English is now the working language in Zeist. He aims for a playing style where the team stays high on the pitch and has plenty of space in defense, far from the goal. Van de Ven noted that this has worked well so far and that the team will only continue to improve.
According to FIFA and UEFA regulations, the lineup must be announced no later than 75 minutes before kickoff. Xavi sees an additional benefit in preventing early leaks, a problem that was previously often caused by Spanish sports newspapers.