Xavi Hernández appointed Netherlands head coach on deal to 2030 | OneFootball

Xavi Hernández has been appointed Netherlands head coach, signing a contract to 2030. The federation announced that the 46-year-old will lead the Oranje at the next Euro and the 2030 World Cup, to be staged in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

He replaces Ronald Koeman, who resigned after defeat to Morocco. It is more than two years since Xavi left Barcelona, having ended a turbulent final season, and he had waited for the right offer.

He again follows Koeman, as he did at Barcelona in November 2021. Then he revived a flat side and finished second in La Liga.

His footballing principles align with the Dutch school. Schooled at La Masia, he worked under Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard, and maintained close ties with Johan Cruyff.

The Netherlands want to reassert themselves after going out in the round of 16 at the last World Cup, targeting strong showings in the Nations League and at the next Euro. The KNVB had explored alternatives including Peter Bosz, Arne Slot, Erik ten Hag, Pep Guardiola, Michael Reiziger and Roberto Martínez. Xavi’s first matches are due in the September window, with Nations League games against Germany and Serbia at the end of the month.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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