Xavi ends managerial hiatus after taking international job | OneFootball

Two years ago, Xavi was sacked as manager of Barcelona on the back of a disappointing 2023-24 season, with Hansi Flick replacing him. Since then, he has been out of football despite several job opportunities coming his way, although his extended hiatus has now come to an end.

Not many people expected Xavi to remain out of a job for over two years. He took a sabbatical upon being sacked by Barcelona, but in the 12 months since it ended, he has not been able to find an opportunity that entices him – until now.

On Wednesday, Xavi was unveiled as the new head coach of the Dutch national team, replacing another ex-Barcelona manager in Ronald Koeman. He signs a four-year contract, taking him through to the 2030 World Cup, which will partly be held in his native Spain.

Xavi speaks after becoming new Netherlands manager

Upon being announced as the next Netherlands manager, Xavi spoke of his pride at taking the job. He admitted that he feels a special connection to the national team, given the influence that Johan Cruyff had over him at Barcelona.

“It is a great honour to become head coach of the Netherlands national team. As someone who was developed at the FC Barcelona academy, with strong influences from, among others, Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, I feel a special connection to Dutch football. You could say I am, in a way, a son of Dutch football.”

Xavi, whose relationship with Barcelona is rocky after his stance on the elections that took place earlier this year, will take charge of his first match as head coach of the Netherlands in September when Germany jet into Amsterdam for the opening fixture in their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign. He will be hoping to start his new tenure with a victory.