Xavi Hernández starts as new national team manager, debut vs Germany
Mystery box Xavi Where does the path of the new national team coach lead? The Spanish coach Xavi Hernández stands at the edge of the Oranje’s road and makes his debut against Germany in the Johan‑Cruyff‑Arena. The mood is divided, but the match marks the start of a new era.
Mixed reactions in the football nation
The appointment of the Spaniard as successor to Ronald Koeman did not trigger a wave of celebration in the Netherlands. Many Dutch view a foreign coach for the national team skeptically, because they found the Koeman era too defensive. The path of the new national team coach is therefore being watched critically.
Sport director Nigel de Jong brought Xavi into the picture after Arne Slot’s departure at Liverpool and Peter Bosz’s stay at PSV Eindhoven. The decision recalls the close link between Barcelona and the Netherlands that has existed since Johan Cruyff.
Coach Jürgen Klopp spoke positively: “Barcelona and Holland are not that far apart in terms of playing philosophy, so to speak.” His words came before the duel on Thursday at 20:45 in the Nations League.
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Xavi, 46 years old, had been out of work since the end of his coaching career at FC Barcelona. “I am very happy to be the coach of the Dutch national team,” he said, emphasizing that there is a lot to do.
The initial squad includes 20 players from the World Cup summer, supplemented by six more professionals – a total of 26. Captain remains defender Virgil van Dijk, while record scorer Memphis Depay is absent.
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Instead of a personnel change, Xavi wants to alter the style of play. “You can’t promise results, but we will play with passion and intensity,” he explained. He showed respect for Ronald Koeman and stressed that he will not talk about the past. If the return to the demanded total football succeeds, he could quickly win the hearts of the Dutch – perhaps already in the duel against Germany.