Xavi begins Netherlands tenure after Guardiola snub, proud to switch from blaugrana to oranje | OneFootball

Xavi Hernández, 46, has been unveiled as Netherlands head coach in Zeist, calling the role an honour and the natural continuation of his football education under Johan Cruyff’s ideas.

According to Superdeporte, he has spent three intense days at the KNVB’s new base holding back-to-back meetings and planning for September fixtures against Germany on 24 September and Serbia on 27 September.

Talks with KNVB executives were described as smooth, followed by sessions with Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Adil Ramzi and goalkeeping coach Patrick Lodewijks. He will be flanked by his trusted staff, brother Òscar, Sergio Alegre and Iván Torres, believing the combined group is ideal.

Xavi framed the job as a return to the game’s “university”, aiming for possession, front-foot football and a shared language rooted in Cruyff. He feels he has landed well at the KNVB and that the set-up suits his methods.

He and his wife, Núria Cunillera, will remain in Matadepera to prioritise their children, Asia, 10, and Dan, eight, with Xavi set to travel regularly. He noted most internationals are in the Premier League, with some in Spain such as Frenkie de Jong, who concerns him due to fitness, Dumfries now at Real Madrid, and several in Saudi Arabia.

At the presentation, Nigel de Jong had Pep Guardiola top of the list and Arné Slot second, both declining before they turned to Xavi. The new coach said finishing third on that podium was no bad thing and that he is proud to move from blaugrana to oranje, the colours of Cruyff.

Source: Superdeporte

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