Xavi Takes Blame for Dutch Draw in Greece as New Era Begins

Xavi Hernández's new era with the Netherlands national team is already proving eventful, with the coach taking personal responsibility for a poor first half in a 2-2 Nations League draw away to Greece on Thursday, October 2.

The Dutch opened their Nations League campaign against Germany in Amsterdam on Thursday, October 1. This was the first match in charge for both Xavi and his German counterpart, Jürgen Klopp. The fixture pitted Xavi's possession-based philosophy against Klopp's trademark relentless pressing. The teams had not met since a 2-2 draw in the same competition back in 2024.

Xavi, 46, signed a contract through the 2030 World Cup to succeed Ronald Koeman. He immediately stated his desire for the Oranje to be defined by intensity and ambition. His squad for the opening fixtures included Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, Arsenal's Jurrien Timber, and Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.

Three days after facing Germany, the Netherlands traveled to Thessaloniki. The match at Stadio Toumbas on October 2 did not start well. Greece stormed to a 2-0 halftime lead through goals from Fotis Ioannidis and Georgios Masouras. Xavi did not hesitate to point the finger at himself for the dismal opening 45 minutes.

"I'm never happy with a draw. But the first half was very poor. That was my fault as a coach," Xavi said. He suggested that making too many changes may have confused his players. "At halftime, I told the players exactly the same thing: sorry, because I think this is my fault."

The coach made three substitutions at the break and switched to a midfield diamond. The tactical shift worked. Van Dijk pulled a goal back before the hour mark, and Tijjani Reijnders scored a dramatic equalizer in the 89th minute to salvage a 2-2 draw. The result maintained Xavi's unbeaten start, but the performance raised early questions.

Even before the matches began, Xavi faced scrutiny over his squad selection. He initially omitted PSV midfielder Guus Til, who was part of the Netherlands' 2026 World Cup squad. PSV manager Peter Bosz publicly criticized the Dutch football association (KNVB) for not informing Til personally, saying the player found out through the media.

"For him personally, that is extremely disappointing. He didn't even get a call," Bosz said on September 27. Til was later added to the squad as an injury replacement for Donyell Malen. When asked about the criticism, Xavi offered a diplomatic response. "I respect all opinions. Journalists and coaches will always miss players," he said. "But we all want what is best for the national team. Til is in any case there now."

The Oranje's Nations League group also includes Serbia. Their final fixture of this international window is against Serbia in Eindhoven on Sunday, October 5. Xavi will be looking for a more complete performance to build momentum. The early matches have shown his willingness to adapt tactically and his readiness to accept blame, setting the tone for a demanding tenure aimed at Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.

• Xavi's Netherlands remain unbeaten after a 2-2 draw with Greece on October 2, following their opening match against Germany.
• The coach took full responsibility for a poor first-half performance in Greece, making three halftime changes that sparked a comeback.
• His first squad selection caused a stir, with PSV manager Peter Bosz criticizing the handling of Guus Til's initial omission.
• Xavi and Jürgen Klopp made their international debuts against each other on October 1, a clash of distinct football philosophies.