Xavi Appointed Netherlands Coach on Four-Year Deal

What's the biggest news with Xavi?

Xavi has been appointed the new head coach of the Netherlands national team, signing a four-year deal that will see him lead the team through the 2030 World Cup. The 46-year-old Spaniard replaces Ronald Koeman, who stepped down after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in a penalty shootout in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

What's Xavi's connection to Dutch football?

Xavi feels a "special connection to Dutch football" following his appointment as the Netherlands' new head coach. He developed at Barcelona's academy under the influence of Dutch football philosophy, particularly that of Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels. "As someone who received his training at the FC Barcelona academy, with strong influences from Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, among others, I feel a special connection to Dutch football," Xavi said.

Who's on Xavi's coaching staff?

Xavi has hired his brother, Oscar Hernandez, and Sergio Alegre as his assistants, both of whom worked with Xavi during his spells at the Catalan giants and Qatari side Al Sadd. Ivan Torres, also part of Xavi's faithful backroom staff, has been hired as the performance coach. Former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined the Netherlands' coaching staff under Koeman, remains with the first team under Xavi, while Patrick Lodewijks stays on as goalkeepers' coach.

What's Xavi's vision for the Netherlands team?

Xavi has signed a four-year deal with the Netherlands, which will see him take charge of the Oranje at Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. His first match at the helm comes at home against Jurgen Klopp's Germany on September 24, while his side will also face Serbia twice and Greece once in the upcoming Nations League break. Xavi wants to support the players as effectively as possible in every area, whether it's attacking, defending, set-pieces or other aspects of football.

What's the reaction from the KNVB?

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced Xavi's appointment on August 12. "I consider it a tremendous honour to become head coach of the Dutch national team," Xavi said in a statement released by the KNVB. "As someone who received his training at the FC Barcelona academy, with strong influences from Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, among others, I feel a special connection to Dutch football."

What's next for Xavi and the Netherlands?

Xavi will officially be presented on Tuesday, August 25th, with a press conference. His first match at the helm comes at home against Jurgen Klopp's Germany on September 24, while his side will also face Serbia twice and Greece once in the upcoming Nations League break.

Key Takeaways:

• Xavi has been appointed the new head coach of the Netherlands national team.
• He has signed a four-year deal that will see him lead the team through the 2030 World Cup.
• Xavi feels a "special connection to Dutch football" following his appointment.
• He has hired his brother, Oscar Hernandez, and Sergio Alegre as his assistants.
• Xavi's first match at the helm comes at home against Jurgen Klopp's Germany on September 24.

Table: Xavi's Coaching Staff