Xavi vows to restore Dutch attacking identity after World Cup disappointment

Xavi Hernandez was presented as the new Netherlands head coach on Tuesday, promising to overhaul a side that disappointed with its defensive style at the World Cup, where they were eliminated by Morocco in a Round of 32 penalty shootout under Ronald Koeman.

The 46-year-old, who had been without a club since leaving Barcelona in May 2024, outlined an attacking philosophy rooted in the Dutch tradition he absorbed during his formative years at the Catalan club.

“We want to dominate the game, to take the initiative with the ball,” Xavi said at his unveiling. “And at the same time, our goal is to show to everybody a team with passion, with desire and ambition.”

The appointment carries echoes of the “total football” ideals associated with Johan Cruyff, whose playing philosophy still runs deep at Barcelona. Louis van Gaal — himself a former Netherlands coach — gave Xavi his debut at the club, and the new Oranje boss is keen to repay a debt to Dutch football.

Xavi was not the federation’s first choice. Netherlands technical director Nigel de Jong confirmed he was on a shortlist of four, behind Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot — who remains unemployed after being dismissed by Liverpool in late May — both of whom declined the role. Michael Reiziger, who coaches the Netherlands youth team, was the fourth candidate.

Xavi was characteristically unbothered by the context. “It’s not a bad position after Guardiola and after Slot. Third position. At least we are on the podium. I don’t care,” he said.

His first match in charge comes on 24 September in Amsterdam against Germany, who also have a new coach in Jürgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager who replaced Julian Nagelsmann following another underwhelming World Cup.

“I feel excited, I feel motivated because we are playing against Germany, one of the best teams in Europe and one of the best coaches in the last years, Jürgen Klopp,” Xavi said. “It’s a big challenge from the beginning, but I think we will be ready.”

Xavi brings a formidable winning record to the role. As the engine of Barcelona’s midfield, he collected 25 titles including four Champions Leagues and eight La Liga crowns. He was equally central to Spain’s golden era — a four-year stretch that produced the 2010 World Cup, beating the Netherlands in the Johannesburg final, and European Championship victories in 2008 and 2012.

The Netherlands, by contrast, have reached three World Cup finals and lost them all. Xavi is now tasked with turning that history around, promising “good habits, new energy” as he begins work with the squad.