By Dorcas Francis Koji
New Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez has promised to restore the attacking football traditionally associated with the Oranje, insisting that an attractive and dominant style can help the national team return to winning ways.
The 46-year-old former Spain international midfielder made the pledge on Tuesday during his first press conference since taking charge of the Netherlands on a four-year contract.
Xavi said his philosophy would centre on taking the initiative, controlling matches and playing on the front foot, arguing that positive football would give the Netherlands a better chance of securing results.
“If we play good football, taking the initiative, dominating the game and playing in an offensive way, we will be closer to winning and getting results,” Xavi said.
The appointment comes after a disappointing World Cup campaign for the Netherlands, who topped their group but failed to convince before suffering a last-32 exit to Morocco on penalties.
Xavi said he grew up watching the Netherlands and admired the quality of football associated with the national side, adding that he wants to restore that identity and give supporters a team they can be proud of.
“I remember when I was a kid watching the Netherlands, you could watch good football. And this is my target — to play good football in order to be proud,” he said.
Asked whether attractive football or results were more important, Xavi gave a straightforward response: “Both.”
“We are here to compete, we are here to enjoy and we are here to win. I insist, we are here to win,” he added.
Xavi replaces Ronald Koeman and becomes the Netherlands’ first foreign head coach in 48 years.
The former Barcelona midfielder brings extensive experience from both his playing and coaching careers. He won the 2010 World Cup with Spain and later began his coaching career at Qatari club Al-Sadd before taking charge of Barcelona.
At Camp Nou, Xavi guided Barcelona to the 2023 La Liga title but was dismissed at the end of the following season, with Hansi Flick subsequently taking over.
Dutch director of football Nigel de Jong revealed that the federation had initially explored the possibility of appointing former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Liverpool manager Arne Slot before settling on Xavi.
The Spaniard, however, insisted he was unconcerned about being considered the third or even 10th choice.
“Well, it’s not a bad position after Guardiola and after Slot, no?” Xavi joked. “I don’t care if I’m the third or I’m the 10th one.”
His first competitive assignment will be a Nations League clash against Germany on September 24, setting up an intriguing meeting with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who will be in charge of the German national team.
Xavi said he was excited by the prospect of facing one of Europe’s strongest teams and one of the continent’s most accomplished coaches.
The new Dutch boss inherits a team still searching for its first major international title since winning Euro 1988. The Netherlands have also lost three World Cup finals, the most among nations yet to lift the World Cup trophy.
Xavi, a four-time Champions League winner during his illustrious Barcelona career, believes passion, ambition and desire can help change the team’s fortunes.
His ultimate objective is not only to win matches but also to restore the connection between the national team and its supporters.
“We will work with passion, with ambition and with desire, in order that people in Holland, the 18 million people, are proud of our team,” Xavi said.
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