Xavi Hernández Builds Unbeaten Start as Netherlands Coach with Tiki-Taka Revival

Xavi Hernández has made a strong start to his first international management role, guiding the Netherlands to an unbeaten opening in the UEFA Nations League. The Spanish coach, who took charge in August 2026, has overseen two wins and two draws, immediately stamping his possession-focused philosophy on the Oranje.

The Netherlands sit top of Nations League Group A2 after their first four matches. Their campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Germany on September 26, followed by a 2-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade. After a 2-2 draw with Greece, they secured another 2-1 win over Serbia on October 4 to stays ahead of the final group games in November. Xavi's side has scored in each of their last four outings but has also conceded in 12 consecutive games, a defensive issue the coach is determined to fix.

Xavi's core idea is clear: restore Dutch dominance through controlled possession. The clearest example came in the 2-1 win over Serbia on October 4. A patient, 30-pass move lasting over a minute culminated in Joshua Zirkzee's 72nd-minute winner. "We now know how to dominate games in different ways," Xavi said after the match. He acknowledged the need to adapt, switching formations against Serbia when his initial plan to play possession football was stifled. The coach praised his team's unity, stating they "fought like a family" and had to learn to defend in a low block when required.

Away from his national team duties, Xavi returned to Barcelona on October 14 to honor a former teammate. He attended the emotional farewell ceremony for Pedro Rodriguez, who retired at 39. Barcelona president Joan Laporta and legends like Sergio Busquets and Carles Puyol were also present. Laporta revealed he had "thought about bringing him back" to the club in a non-playing role. Pedro explained his decision, saying his competitive nature meant he no longer saw himself continuing as a player and was ready for a new chapter with his family.

A separate story concerns Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons, who is recovering from an ACL injury sustained in April 2026 while playing for Tottenham Hotspur. Reports indicate he is making swift progress and is expected back in early 2027. During his rehabilitation, the 23-year-old has enrolled in a business course at Harvard University, stating he wants to use his time productively while keeping football his main focus.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS: Xavi Hernández is unbeaten in his first four games as Netherlands boss. His team leads Nations League Group A2. A 30-pass move against Serbia exemplifies his tactical shift. He attended Pedro's retirement at Barcelona.