ZEIST, Netherlands — Xavi Hernandez expressed confidence despite being the third choice for the position of Netherlands national team head coach, following his introduction on Tuesday.
Dutch Football Association (KNVB) technical director Nigel de Jong revealed that Xavi was one of four candidates considered for the prestigious role after Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City manager, and Arne Slot, who was dismissed from Liverpool in late May, both turned down the opportunity. The other contender was Michael Reiziger, currently managing the Netherlands’ youth team.
Xavi remained unperturbed by the notable names ahead of him in the selection process.
“Honestly, being third in line after Guardiola and Slot isn’t too bad. At least we’re on the podium!” he remarked. “It doesn’t bother me.”
The 46-year-old coach had been without a position since departing from his role as Barcelona head coach in May 2024. He takes over from Ronald Koeman, who left following the World Cup, where the team suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the round of 32.
Xavi’s playing career was significantly influenced by Dutch coaches, and he now aims to reinvigorate a Netherlands side that underperformed with its defensive tactics in the World Cup.
Louis van Gaal, who also managed the Netherlands, was instrumental in giving Xavi his debut at Barcelona, where the influence of Dutch soccer legend Johan Cruyff’s philosophy still resonates.
In his introductory remarks on Tuesday, Xavi seemed to channel the “total football” principles of the Cruyff-era Dutch teams from the 1970s, outlining his vision for the Netherlands’ playing style.
“We want to control the game, take initiative with the ball,” he stated. “Our objective is to display a team full of passion, desire, and ambition.”
While the Netherlands have faced challenges in clinching titles on global stages, having reached three World Cup finals without victory, Xavi has a proven track record of success.
During his time at Barcelona, Xavi was pivotal in securing 25 titles, including four Champions League trophies and eight La Liga championships. He also played a key role in Spain’s historic success, which included clinching the 2010 World Cup—where they defeated the Netherlands in the final—and European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
Now, he aims to replicate that success with the Netherlands.
“We’ll work on building good habits and infusing new energy,” Xavi remarked. “Our aim is to instill a sense of pride among the 18 million people in the Netherlands regarding our team.”
Xavi’s first challenge will occur on September 24 in Amsterdam when the Netherlands faces Germany, also under new management with Jürgen Klopp taking over from Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned after a disappointing World Cup.
“I’m excited,” Xavi said, “motivated to face Germany, one of Europe’s top teams and a coach like Jürgen Klopp, who has had an impressive record in recent years. It’s a significant challenge from the outset, but I believe we will be prepared.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.