Xavi named Netherlands coach, jokes about being third choice

Xavi Hernández was presented as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team on August 25, 2026, signing a contract until 2030. During the press conference, Dutch football director Nigel de Jong revealed that Xavi was the federation's third choice behind Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot, a remark Xavi brushed off with humor: "No es una mala posición después de Guardiola y de Slot, ¿no? Al menos estoy en el podio" Source: Infobae. He added, "No me importa si era la tercera opción o la décima" Source: EFE via Infobae.

The search

De Jong explained that the KNVB compiled a list of four candidates after the World Cup. Guardiola was the first target but wanted a sabbatical year, and Slot preferred to stay in club football. Xavi was then approached, with Michael Reiziger as the fourth option Source: La Vanguardia. De Jong noted that Xavi is "muy próximo a nuestra identidad futbolística" Source: Emol.

Xavi's vision

Xavi emphasized his commitment to attacking, possession-based football: "Si jugamos bien al fútbol... tomando la iniciativa, dominando el juego, jugando de manera ofensiva... estaremos más cerca de ganar" Source: Excelsior. He also said, "Odio no tener el balón" Source: La Vanguardia. He aims to restore the "good football" he admired as a child Source: El Colombiano.

Debut and staff

Xavi's first match will be against Germany in the Nations League on September 24, where he will face another new coach, Jürgen Klopp Source: El Nacional. His staff includes Ruud van Nistelrooy, Adil Ramzi, and his brother Óscar Hernández Source: La Voz.

Xavi's appointment marks the first foreign coach of the Oranje in 48 years Source: El Colombiano.