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·25 August 2026
Nigel de Jong says Pep Guardiola was first choice before Xavi
Nigel de Jong says Pep Guardiola was first choice before Xavi | OneFootball
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Speaking at Xavi’s unveiling on Tuesday, Nigel de Jong said the Netherlands first targeted Pep Guardiola and also considered Arne Slot. According to L'Équipe, the national technical director set out the order of their search.
He said Guardiola was the top choice, but the coach wanted to take a year off.
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Slot was ahead of Xavi on the shortlist as well, but preferred to remain in club football.
After six weeks of reflection, the federation turned to Xavi, third on their list and out of work since leaving Barcelona in June 2024.
He becomes the first foreign manager to lead the Oranje since Austrian Ernst Happel in 1978.
Source: L'Équipe
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