Xavi Hernandez reaches out to Virgil van Dijk ahead of Germany clash | OneFootball

New Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez has moved quickly to contact Virgil van Dijk as he prepares for a daunting first match against Germany.

According to Goal.com, Xavi has engaged the Oranje’s leadership group and sees the Liverpool captain as a cornerstone while he lays early foundations for his tenure.

He said he has already spoken to the centre-back and plans further dialogue about longer-term aims, stressing the need to gauge Van Dijk’s mindset, ambition and competitive drive under the new regime.

Xavi will begin in the Oranje dugout against Jurgen Klopp’s Germany, an opening he has embraced. He described himself as excited and motivated to face one of Europe’s leading sides and a coach he rates among the best in recent years.

The Netherlands host Germany in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League in Amsterdam on 24 September, the official debuts of both Xavi and Klopp as national-team head coaches. With a four-year contract ahead, Xavi aims to keep communication open with his senior players so the squad arrive united and fully prepared for the occasion.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”